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Your Actions Save Lives: Celebrate 4^th of July Holiday Responsibly

Coachella, Calif. – As we approach the 4^th of July holiday, the city of Coachella and Riverside County Sheriff’s Department encourages the public to be responsible and safe over Independence Day Weekend by not driving impaired.

Many 4^th of July events and shows have been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but more restaurants and bars are now open, making it that much more important for the city of Coachella and the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department to keep the community safe.

July 4^th falls on a Saturday this year, and to keep families safe, the city of Coachella and Riverside County Sheriff’s Department will have extra officers on patrol throughout the Independence Day Weekend looking for drivers suspected of driving impaired.

The city of Coachella and Riverside County Sheriff’s Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. Always follow directions for use and read warning labels about driving or operating heavy machinery, which includes driving a car. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.

If you plan on drinking or taking medications that may impact your ability to drive safely, plan on staying at home. If you are going to a bar or restaurant, designate a sober driver before heading out for the evening.

The city of Coachella and Riverside County Sheriff’s Department encourages the community to think of the safety of themselves and their families when enjoying the Independence Day holiday. Your actions save lives.

Funding for DUI enforcement was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.