Fresno police crack down on drunk driving on Super Bowl Sunday

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- As Super Bowl parties conclude, Fresno Police are on high alert for drunk drivers.

"Nothing to drink today?" said Officer Guillermo Gama.

Action News did a ride-along with Gama. Quickly after meeting up, Gama was called to assist with a suspected drunk driver. It was his fourth time assisting a fellow officer in the span of four hours on Sunday.

"He's on DUI court probation. He's going to give a citation only, and he's going to get released to his sober party," said Gama.

Officer Gama has been with the Fresno Police Department for more than three years.

He likes patrolling on nights like Super Bowl Sunday because he gets to help keep Fresno streets safe from drunk drivers.

"If they're weaving side to side, I'll follow for a minute and I'll see their driving patterns," said Gama.

Fresno PD has investigated six fatal traffic collisions since the new year began. Gama wants people to understand the deadly consequences people face when they drink and drive.

"People drink and drive and they get behind the wheel, it's a weapon, They hit someone, a vehicle, a pedestrian and it's sad," said Gama.

He suggests people use ride-share apps.

Ernie Contreras drives for Lyft. He believes any amount of alcohol consumption is dangerous and said he still doesn't understand why people don't choose to use the app.

"It's easy. The app is easy to use. You can ask for a ride early or ask for the ride later and someone will pick you up. At the end of the day, I think using the app is going to save a lot of lives," said Contreras.

It's not just drunk drivers officers will be looking for. Being under the influence of cannabis or prescription drugs can also be dangerous. Authorities want to make it very clear that these can also impair your driving.

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