The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is reminding the public about the dangers of driving impaired and is encouraging them to celebrate New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day responsibly by not driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Through Jan. 2, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department will deploy additional deputies who will be looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and drugs. The extra enforcement effort is part of the national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 11,654 people were killed nationwide in vehicle collisions involving an alcohol-impaired driver in 2020, the last year for which statistics are available. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department encourages everyone to have a “go safely” game plan by scheduling a ride or designating a sober driver if drinking alcohol.

Authorities also warned that impaired driving does not just result from alcohol. Marijuana, prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs may also cause impairment.

“The holidays are a special time of year for many, and we want drivers to act responsibly,” Sgt. Michael Lennig said. “This enforcement period allows us to get the message out that driving impaired is an illegal, senseless behavior that takes lives.”