The Seal Beach Police Department Traffic Unit, part of the Orange County Avoid DUI Task Force, will conduct two DUI/Driver’s License checkpoints this weekend. The first is scheduled from 6 p.m., Friday, May 22, to 3 a.m., Saturday, May 23. The second set scheduled from 6 p.m., Sunday, May 24, to 3 a.m., Monday, May 25.
Police officials did not specify the planned locations of either checkpoint. Police are not required to announce the locations of checkpoints.
The deterrent effect of DUI checkpoints is a proven resource in reducing the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol or drug involved crashes. Research shows that crashes involving an impaired driver can be reduced by up to 20 percent when well-publicized DUI checkpoints and proactive DUI patrols are conducted routinely.
In California, this deadly crime led to 802 deaths and nearly 24,000 serious injuries in 2012 because someone failed to designate a sober driver. Nationally, the latest data shows nearly 10,000 were killed by an impaired driver. “Over the course of the past three years, DUI collisions have resulted in 26 injury crashes harming 36 of our friends and neighbors,” said Sgt. Steve Bowles.
Officers will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment with officers checking drivers for proper licensing delaying motorists only momentarily. When possible, specially trained officers will be available to evaluate those suspected of drug-impaired driving, which now accounts for a growing number of impaired driving crashes. Drugs which may impair driving not only include illegal narcotics, but many prescription drugs, marijuana, and even some over-the-counter medications.
DUI Checkpoints are placed in locations based on collision statistics and frequency of DUI arrests affording the greatest opportunity for achieving drunk and drugged driving deterrence. Locations are chosen with safety considerations for the officers and the public.
Drivers caught driving impaired can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to include jail time, fines, fees, DUI classes, other expenses that can exceed $10,000 not to mention the embarrassment when friends and family find out.
Funding for this checkpoint is provided to Seal Beach Police Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The state agencies encourage the public to report possible drunk drivers by calling 911.
