Mexico City, December 13 – Mexico City’s Head of Government, Clara Brugada Molina, officially launched the ‘Drive Sober 2025’ operation for the upcoming holiday season. This initiative, a cornerstone of public safety in the capital, has been instrumental in significantly reducing traffic accidents and fatalities, with data from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (Inegi) indicating a 78% reduction in accidents during peak hours and a 77% decrease in fatal incidents since its inception in 2003.
A Focus on Saving Lives, Not Punishment
During the launch event held on Pino Suárez Street, Brugada Molina underscored the core philosophy behind the program: to protect human lives rather than to punish drivers. “This is a vision that centers on life, human dignity, and the well-being of the population; we do not seek to punish, but to prevent tragedies. This program saves lives, that is its purpose,” she stated.
The capital’s leader urged citizens to celebrate the December holidays responsibly and to refrain from driving under the influence of alcohol. She highlighted that road safety is a shared responsibility between drivers and authorities, reiterating, “When we prevent someone from driving while intoxicated, we are saving a life.”
Modernized Operations and Female Leadership
Clara Brugada also pointed out the modernization of the program and the significant role of women in its execution. The ‘Drive Sober’ team comprises 47% women and is also led by women, reinforcing a gender perspective within the strategy.
Pablo Vázquez Camacho, Secretary of Citizen Security, detailed the operational scope, confirming that the initiative will run from December 12 to January 11, 2026. It will encompass all 16 boroughs of Mexico City, with 1,130 strategic checkpoints. Approximately 500 personnel, equipped with state-of-the-art technology, will participate to ensure public safety.
The operation also benefits from the collaboration of business chambers, including Canirac, the Mexican Association of Restaurants, and the Mexican Association of Bars and Discotheques, fostering strong coordination between authorities and the private sector.
A Legacy of Prevention and Public Safety
Eréndira Cruz Villegas, local Legal Advisor, recalled that the ‘Drive Sober’ program, first implemented 22 years ago, set a precedent for the use of breathalyzers and has been crucial in safeguarding the lives and integrity of Mexico City residents. Paulina Salazar Patiño, Undersecretary of Citizen Participation of the SSC, further emphasized the program’s impact, noting that since 2003, over 76,000 checkpoints have been established, 23 million interviews conducted, and more than 2 million breathalyzer tests administered. These efforts have led to over 200,000 vehicles being impounded and more than 278,000 individuals being presented before a Civic Judge for exceeding legal alcohol limits.
Brugada Molina was joined at the event by several officials from the Secretariat of Citizen Security, including Elpidio de la Cruz, Undersecretary of Police Operations; Cristian Samano, Undersecretary of Traffic Control; Andrés Ponce, Undersecretary of the Penitentiary System; Claraluz Álvarez González, Advisor for Security and Justice; María Cristina Morales, program manager; and Miguel Armando Montecinos, Director of Road Safety.
The launch of the ‘Drive Sober 2025’ operation reaffirms the capital government’s dedication to accident prevention and life protection, encouraging the public to celebrate responsibly and adhere to traffic regulations.
Source: https://www.infobae.com/mexico/2025/12/13/arranca-operativo-conduce-sin-alcohol-2025-para-las-fiestas-decembrinas-en-cdmx/
