If you’re planning on having a drink at any point for the remainder of the year, the Manteca Police Department is urging you not to climb behind the wheel of a vehicle.

And they’ll be out in force looking for people who missed that simple request.

On New Year’s Eve, specifically, the department will deploy saturation patrols from 7 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. to try and catch those driving under the influence – augmenting a sobriety checkpoint that the department will hold the previous night at an undisclosed location somewhere within the city limits.

Funding for the additional manpower on the biggest party night of the year as well as the sobriety checkpoint the night before is being provided through a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety – funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

According to the department, a total of 1,069 people were killed on California roads in 2018 in crashes involving drivers who had a blood alcohol content over the legal limit.

Preventing those accidents, while also identifying drivers impaired through other means before they have the chance to hurt or kill another motorist, is the core aim of the law enforcement effort.

“(The) Manteca Police Department reminds the public that impaired riving is not just from alcohol,” the agency wrote in the release announcing the campaign. “Prescription or over-the-counter medications with an operating heavy machinery warning on the label can also impair.

“While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.”

For those that are planning on partying for the New Year or taking medications that may affect their ability to safely drive a motor vehicle, the Manteca Police has the following tips to ensure that everybody arrives at their destination safely and prevent a DUI:

*Always use a designated a driver – a friend who is not drinking, a ride-share service, or public transportation – to get home.

*Walking while impaired is also dangerous. Have someone sober walk you home or stay with you until a sober driver is available to pick you up.

*Report drunk drivers – call 911.

*Hosting a party? Offer nonalcoholic drinks. Monitor who is drinking and how they are getting home.

Drivers who are charged with a DUI, according to the department, face, an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties as well as a suspended license and possible jail time.

To contact reporter Jason Campbell email jcampbell@mantecabulletin.com or call 209.249.3544.