If you plan to spend time outdoors for backyard barbeques or recreational activities at local parks this Memorial Day Weekend, remember to do so responsibly. Alcohol and marijuana may be included in these gatherings. Tragically, Memorial Day marks the start of California’s 100 dangerous days of summer between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends.

In 2016, 16 people were killed and another 385 injured in alcohol involved collisions over the Memorial Day weekend. Sixteen people were killed and 377 injured over the 2016 Labor Day weekend.

The Sacramento Police Department joins the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to drive awareness on the best ways to get from point A to point B safely. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, many police and sheriff departments in addition to the CHP will use OTS grant funds for overtime to deploy officers across the state to aggressively ticket or arrest traffic violators. High visibly enforcement operations will be in place all summer.

In recent years, California has seen an increase in drug-impaired driving crashes.  The Sacramento Police Department reminds drivers that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.”  If you take prescription drugs, particularly those with a driving or operating machinery warning on the label, you might be impaired enough to get a DUI. Marijuana use can also be impairing, especially in combination with alcohol or other drugs, and can result in a DUI.

In addition to stopping and arresting impaired drivers, officers will watch for aggressive drivers.  Those who speed, tailgate, fail to obey traffic signs and signals, and those driving distracted, will be cited.

The Sacramento Police Department wants to remind drivers of the simple things that can save their lives and the lives of their loved ones:

• California’s Click It Or Ticket campaign is underway so Buckle Up — it's the best defense if you're in a crash.

• Drive sober! Plan your designated driver and take the keys away from friends or family that are drinking this weekend.

• Never drive distracted – Put down your phone and Just drive! Avoid other distractions that diverts your full attention to the road.

• Report drunk drivers – Call 911!