By: Ciara Perez | Investigative Journalist | iSkyNews.com (ISC News)
Published November 23rd, 2025
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Mesa, AZ — As the holiday season ramps up and families prepare for weeks of celebrations, the Mesa Police Department is gearing up for something else—an annual push to keep impaired drivers off the road.
Starting Friday, November 28, 2025, and running through New Year’s Eve, Mesa Police will join the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) in a valley-wide Holiday DUI Task Force. The enhanced patrols will focus on the busiest nights of the season, with officers out from 5:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. every Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and again on Wednesday, December 31.
Overtime for the operation is funded by GOHS, allowing Mesa’s Traffic Unit to put extra officers on the streets during a time of year when impaired-driving crashes traditionally spike.
Here’s a throwback video from Mesa Police showing how impaired driving doesn’t just affect you—it puts officers, firefighters, and paramedics at risk too.
A Mission to Prevent Tragedies
Police say the goal is simple: prevent collisions, reduce injuries, and save lives.
The Holiday DUI Task Force brings together agencies across the Valley with one shared mission—removing impaired drivers before they hurt themselves or someone else. Mesa Police say the increased presence is meant to serve both as enforcement and as a reminder.
“Enjoy the holidays, but do it responsibly.”
That’s the message from Mesa PD as they head into one of the busiest travel and party seasons of the year. Officers are urging residents to plan ahead by designating a sober driver or using a rideshare service.
They also encourage the public to speak up if they see dangerous driving.
🎄 Holiday Safe Ride Resources for Mesa & the East Valley
Whether you're celebrating with family, attending holiday parties, or enjoying a night out, here are reliable local transportation options to help you get home safely — no excuses, no risks.
🚕 Local Taxi & Cab Services
These companies operate throughout Mesa, Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert, and Phoenix:
VIP Taxi
- Phone: 602-300-3000
- Service: 24/7 Valleywide
- Notes: Large fleet, app available, reliable holiday coverage.
Yellow Cab of Arizona
- Phone: 480-888-8888
- Service: Valleywide
- Notes: Long-standing option with quick response times.
Taxi Fiesta
- Phone: 602-316-1215
- Notes: Serves East Valley; bilingual drivers available.
Apache Taxi
- Phone: 480-557-7000
- Notes: Popular in Tempe & Mesa, student-heavy areas.
🚗 Rideshare Options
Convenient, fast, and available almost everywhere in Mesa:
- Uber
- Lyft
Holiday surge pricing may apply — plan ahead
🚌 Public Transit (Valley Metro)
While hours are more limited during holidays, it’s still an option:
Valley Metro Bus & Light Rail
https://www.valleymetro.org
- Notes:
- Light Rail runs through Mesa, Tempe, and Phoenix
- Extended holiday hours sometimes apply
- Affordable and accessible alternative to driving
🍺 Safe Ride / Holiday Programs
These programs typically operate on major holidays like New Year’s Eve:
Tipsy Tow (AAA)
Phone: 1-800-AAA-HELP
- Notes:
- Often FREE tow & ride for your car on major holidays
- Does not require AAA membership
- Operates from 6 PM Dec 31 – 6 AM Jan 1
Notes: Offers discounted tows during DUI enforcement nights (call to confirm)
❤️ Simple Rule for the Holidays
If you’re drinking — even “just a couple” — don’t get behind the wheel.
Use a rideshare, taxi, or call a friend. One safe decision protects lives.
⚠️ How to Report Dangerous Drivers
Residents who spot reckless or suspected DUI behavior are asked to contact their local law enforcement agency. In Mesa, the non-emergency number is:
📞 480-644-2211
As holiday gatherings fill calendars across the city, Mesa Police are reminding everyone that one responsible decision can prevent a tragedy—and make sure the season stays joyful for all.
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