Central Bureau Sobriety Checkpoint

WHAT:
Sobriety and Driver’s License Checkpoint
        
WHEN:
Friday, October 2, 2009
8:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.

WHERE:
Sunset Boulevard and Echo Park Avenue
Los Angeles, California

WHO:
Emergency Operations Division and Central Traffic Division

WHY:
The purpose of the Sobriety checkpoint is to reduce the number of traffic collisions involving intoxicated drivers, as well as the number of hit-and-run traffic collisions.  During this year, residents residing in the Northeast Area have endured 80 driving under the influence-related and 792 hit and run traffic collisions.  The checkpoint will educate the community to use designated drivers and not drink and drive.

Our message is simple: If we catch you drunk, you will be arrested.

It is the Los Angeles Police Department’s goal to continue providing public awareness on the dangers of drinking and driving, and the laws concerning driving without a valid driver’s license.  Motorists approaching a checkpoint will observe traffic signs, information and police officers advising that a checkpoint is ahead.

Once diverted into a lane, each motorist will be detained momentarily while an officer explains the purpose of the checkpoint.  
                       
Funding for this checkpoint comes from the California Office of Traffic Safety,through the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.  We can all help make our streets safer.  Report Drunk Drivers – Call 9-1-1.

CONTACT:
For further information, please contact Officer Don Inman, Traffic Coordination Section at 213-847-1624, or Media Relations Section at 213-485-3586.