City to focus on drunk driver crackdown

In response to public safety concerns, the City of Canyon Lake is teaming up with the Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station, with which it has a contract to provide police services, to increase enforcement of drinking and driving laws for all vehicles in the community.

The city will be taking steps to identify and implement increased enforcement measures aimed at combating driving under the influence (DUIs) and other related unlawful and unsafe vehicular behaviors within its boundaries, including inside the community’s residential gated area.

This decision comes after significant public safety concerns were voiced by residents after and heading into large holiday weekends, City Council Member Kasey Castillo said.

As a result, the city is amping up its partnership with its local law enforcement team, the Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station, in its continued goal to prioritize public safety and protect lives in the community.

“Driving under the influence is illegal in Canyon Lake whether you are driving a car, golf cart, or an e-bike,” City of Canyon Lake Mayor Jeremy Smith said. “We must prioritize public safety and deter residents and visitors from making terrible decisions that jeopardize the lives of others and the overall safety of our community.”

The city and its local law enforcement team are in the planning stages of several enhanced measures to significantly strengthen DUI enforcement efforts. Strategies include increased patrols, sobriety checkpoints, public awareness campaigns, and collaboration with the Canyon Lake Property Owners’ Association, Kasey said.

“While the City of Canyon Lake has some private roads, they are not immune from DUI enforcement,” Kasey said. “Our family-oriented community has zero tolerance for these types of incidents. Do not drink and drive in Canyon Lake.”

Residents are urged to do their part by spreading awareness of these efforts, encouraging guests to make responsible choices, and reporting suspected DUI or alcohol related incidents to law enforcement authorities, she said.

“If you see or suspect an impaired driver, call 9-1-1 immediately,” Kasey said. “Be prepared to provide the dispatcher with a description of the vehicle, the license plate number, location, and direction of travel.”

Canyon Lake is a contract city of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department with services provided to the city from the Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station.