LAPD to Conduct End of Summer DUI Crackdown NA13138bb

The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) will be joining law enforcement agencies throughout California stepping up DUI enforcement at the end of the traditional summer season through Labor Day, August 16 through September 2, 2013.  During the crackdown period, there will be an increase in law enforcement presence on the roads, including additional officers and driving under the influence (DUI) checkpoints throughout the state, and those caught driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs will be arrested.

The LAPD has planned the following DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols during the crackdown period:

Friday, August 16
•    Checkpoint in Olympic Area at Vermont Avenue and 6th Street from 8 P.M. to 2 A.M.
•    Checkpoint in Newton Area at Slauson Avenue and Olive Street from 8 P.M. to 2 A.M.
•    Checkpoint in Van Nuys at Sepulveda Boulevard and Raymer Street from 8 P.M. to 2 A.M.
•    DUI Saturation Patrol in Newton Area from 5 P.M. to 1 A.M.
 
Saturday, August 17
•    Checkpoint in Foothill Area at Van Nuys Boulevard and Haddon Avenue from 8 P.M. to 2 A.M.
•    Checkpoint in Northeast Area at Los Feliz Boulevard and Riverside Drive from 8 P.M. to 2 A.M.

Sunday, August 18
•    DUI Saturation Patrol in Foothill Area from 5 P.M. to 1 A.M.

Thursday, August 22
•    Checkpoint in Hollywood Area at Sunset Boulevard and Bronson Avenue from 8 P.M. to 2 A.M.

Friday, August 23
•    Checkpoint in Hollywood Area at Highland Avenue and De Longpre Avenue from 8 P.M. to 2 A.M.
•    Checkpoint in Southwest Area at La Brea Avenue and Rodeo Road from 8 P.M. to 2 A.M.

Saturday, August 24
•    Checkpoint in Southwest Area at Western Avenue and 39th Street from 6 P.M. to 12 A.M.
•    Checkpoint in Topanga Area at Sherman Way and Variel Avenue from 8 P.M. to 2 A.M.

Wednesday, August 28
•    DUI Saturation Patrol in Hollywood Area from 5 P.M. to 1 A.M.
Thursday, August 29
•    Checkpoint in Southeast Area at Manchester Avenue and Hoover Street from 8 P.M. to 2 A.M.

Friday, August 30
•    Checkpoint in 77th Street Area at Florence Avenue and Main Street Avenue from 6 P.M. to 12 A.M.
•    Checkpoint in West Valley Area at Roscoe Boulevard and Gloria Avenue from 8 P.M. to 2 A.M.

Saturday, August 31
•    Checkpoint in Devonshire Area at Topanga Boulevard and Devonshire Street from 8 P.M. to 2 A.M.
•    Checkpoint in Northeast Area at Sunset Boulevard and Fountain Avenue from 8 P.M. to 2 A.M.
•    Checkpoint in Rampart Area at Olympic Boulevard and Lake Street from 8 P.M. to 2 A.M.
•    DUI Saturation Patrol in 77th Street Area from 5 P.M. to 1 A.M.

Note:    Checkpoints are subject to change or cancelation.

The California Office of Traffic Safety is reminding Californians to plan ahead during the crackdown period and every day by designating a sober driver.

“The end of summer and Labor Day weekend is traditionally a time to have fun,” said Lieutenant Katona, Traffic Coordination Section.  “Don’t let it turn into a time of tragedy or jail visit by driving impaired by alcohol or drugs.  We will be out looking for those making that unwise and dangerous choice.”

The LAPD will be joining the CHP, Avoid DUI Task Forces and over other 115 local police departments across the state. Specially trained officers will be on hand to detect drivers under the influence of alcohol as well as legal or illegal drugs.  In 2011, 774 California drivers with a blood alcohol content of .08 or higher were killed in alcohol-impaired crashes. A first-time DUI conviction can cost up to $10,000 in fines, legal fees, and insurance increases.

During the Labor Day weekend in 2011, a total of 138 people across the county were killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes involving drivers or motorcycle riders with a .08 BAC or higher.  Of those fatalities, 83 percent occurred during early evening and overnight.

Funding for this checkpoint is provided to the LAPD by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, reminding everyone to continue to work together to bring an end to these tragedies.  If you see a Drunk Driver – Call 9-1-1.

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