The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office is launching its “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” enforcement effort ahead of the Christmas and New Year holidays, with additional DUI patrols operating across the county.
The campaign begins December 12 and continues through New Year’s Day, one of the busiest travel periods of the year. Local agencies, including the Goleta Police Department, will increase patrols and conduct DUI checkpoints.
The Goleta checkpoint will operate from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m., with its exact location undisclosed, as is standard practice.
Goleta Police urge drivers to stay home if they plan to drink or arrange a sober ride, whether through a designated driver, public transit, taxi, or rideshare service.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched its annual holiday enforcement campaign on December 9, 2025.
NHTSA data show that alcohol-impaired driving remains a major contributor to fatal crashes, particularly during the holidays. In 2023, 12,429 people were killed in alcohol-impaired crashes, which is nearly one-third of all U.S. traffic deaths. Drivers aged 21–24 represented the highest percentage of impaired drivers involved in fatal crashes.
Male drivers were more frequently involved in alcohol-impaired fatal crashes in 2023 (22%) compared with female drivers (16%), according to NHTSA.
On average, one person was killed every 42 minutes in an alcohol-impaired crash in 2023.
Early federal estimates show roadway deaths decreased by roughly 6.4% in the first nine months of 2025. The national fatality rate fell to 1.10 deaths per 100 million miles traveled, down from 1.19 during the same period in 2024.
NHTSA Administrator Jonathan Morrison said the agency is encouraged by the continued decline in roadway deaths and urged drivers to plan ahead for a sober and safe trip.
This year’s campaign includes nationwide ads on television, radio, and digital platforms, part of a broader push to reduce traffic deaths, which are at their lowest levels since 2019.
Impairment can also result from prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, cannabis products, and other substances.
Impaired-driving offenses can result in misdemeanor or felony charges, license suspension, jail time, and fines that can exceed $10,000, according to NHTSA.
Authorities also urge the public to call 911 if they see a driver who appears impaired.
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