LAPD Targets Impaired Drivers with DUI Checkpoints and Saturation Patrols NA14019rf

What:
Sobriety & Driver’s License Checkpoint

When:
Thursday, February 13, 2014, 6 p.m. to
Friday, February 14, 2014, 12 a.m.

Where:
Manchester Avenue at Halldale Avenue, Los Angeles
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What:
DUI Saturation Patrol

When:
Thursday, February 13, 2014, 7 p.m. to
Friday, February 14, 2014, 1 a.m.

Where:
Hollywood Area
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What:    
Sobriety & Driver’s License Checkpoint

When:
Friday, February 14, 2014, 8 p.m. to
Saturday, February 15, 2014, 2 a.m.

Where:
Ventura Boulevard at Big Oak Drive, Studio City
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What:
DUI Saturation Patrol

When:
Saturday, February 15, 2014, 5 p.m. to
Sunday, February 16, 2014, 1 a.m.

Where:
77th Street Area, Los Angeles
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What:
Sobriety & Driver’s License Checkpoint

When:
Saturday, February 15, 2014, 8 p.m. to
Sunday, February 16, 2014, 2 a.m.

Where:
Sunset Boulevard at Laveta Terrace, Los Angeles

NOTE: Checkpoints are subject to change or cancelation.

Why:
Because DUI checkpoints are a proven resource in reducing the number of deaths and injuries in alcohol- or drug-involved traffic collisions.  Research shows traffic collisions 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 in 2012, because someone failed to designate a sober driver.  Nationally, the latest data shows over 10,000 were killed in 2012 by impaired driving.

Officers will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment and checking drivers for proper licensing, delaying motorists only momentarily.  When possible, specially trained officers will be available to evaluate suspected drug-impaired drivers.  

Recent statistics reveal that 30 percent of drivers in fatal crashes had one or more drugs in their systems.  A study of active drivers showed more tested positive for drugs that may impair driving (14 percent) than did for alcohol (7.3 percent).

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), checkpoints have provided the most effective documented results of any of the DUI enforcement strategies, while also yielding considerable cost savings of $6 for every $1 spent.  Nearly 90 percent of California drivers approve of DUI checkpoints.

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 and 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 the Los Angeles Police Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the NHTSA, reminding everyone to “Report Drunk Driver – Call 9-1-1.”

MEDIA NOTES:
To schedule an interview regarding the LAPD’s traffic safety efforts, please contact Officer Don Inman, Traffic Coordination Section, at (213) 486-0690.