(FOX40.COM) — Law enforcement agencies all over Northern California are working together to ‘keep summer fun not fatal’ by hosting a series of operations to catch drunk drivers.
• Video Above: Why DUI checkpoints are announced by California law enforcement
In 2018, there were 3,804 victims killed in crashes statewide, according to California law enforcement. Of those crashes, 816 people, 21.4%, were DUI-related. Police said DUI checkpoints aim to lower injuries and fatalities that stem from drunk driving.
Why does California law enforcement announce DUI checkpoints? Elk Grove
The Elk Grove Police Department plans to have additional officers on duty until Sept. 2. They will be looking for drivers who may be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Several arrests made for drunk driving in Woodland over the weekend “With Labor Day and the end of summer vacation coming up, we want to help keep our community safe,” EGPD said on social media .
In addition to extra patrol officers, a checkpoint in Elk Grove is scheduled from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. on Friday. Police did not specify the exact location of where the checkpoint will be.
Modesto
Modesto area units of the California Highway Patrol have a DUI checkpoint planned from 7 p.m. and 1 a.m. on Aug. 29. The checkpoint will reportedly be in north Modesto, within the unincorporated area of Stanislaus County.
“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,” CHP said. “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.”
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A DUI checkpoint “somewhere in El Dorado Hills” is scheduled for Aug. 31 according to CHP.
“All too often, members of our community are senselessly injured or killed on our local
roadways by intoxicated drivers,” said Lieutenant R. Hatfield, CHP Placerville Area
Commander. “The goal of the CHP is to ensure the safe passage of each and every motorist by
targeting roads where there is a high frequency of intoxicated drivers.”
Hatfield added, “traffic volume permitting, all vehicles will be checked for
drivers who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Our objective is to send a clear message
to those individuals that consider driving and mixing alcohol or drugs, you will be caught and
your vehicle will be towed away.”
CHP did not specify what time the El Dorado Hills DUI checkpoint will begin.
Sacramento
A DUI and driver’s license checkpoint in the South Sacramento area is planned for Sept. 1. It will be hosted by CHP.
“The goal of the CHP is to ensure the safe passage of every motorist through proactive enforcement and education,” CHP said in a press release. “Sobriety and driver license checkpoints have proven to be an effective tool.”
Officers said the exact location and time of the checkpoint will be released about two hours before the operation.
San Joaquin County
The Lodi Police Department has a DUI checkpoint planned from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. on Aug 31 at an undisclosed location.
“Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk,” LPD Sergeant Dan Bristow said. “Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improve traffic safety.”
The Lodi Police Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.
Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.
Woodland
The Woodland Police Department recently arrested five people in one night for alleged drunk driving. For one person, it was their third arrest within three weeks.
“The Woodland Police Department takes DUI seriously,” officers said.
WPD encouraged those who drink alcohol to arrange a designated driver or use a ride-sharing service, taxi or public transportation.
“As the end of summer approaches and families prepare for Labor Day celebrations, the Woodland Police Department reminds everyone to prioritize safety on the roads,” WPD said. “Drivers are encouraged to make responsible choices behind the wheel by never driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Our goal is to reduce preventable crashes and save lives.”
A DUI checkpoint is planned in Woodland from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Aug. 24 in the central area. will hold a DUI Checkpoint on August 24th, from 7 PM until 2 AM in central Woodland.
Yolo County
CHP has a DUI checkpoint planned in Yolo County from 5:30-10 p.m. on Aug. 23. It will be located on State Route 16 westbound, east of County Road 97, according to CHP.
“Officers will also be equipped with state-of-the-art hand-held breath testing devices which provide a measurement of blood alcohol concentration from drivers suspected to be under the influence of alcohol,” CHP said.
If there is inclement weather, CHP said the checkpoint “will be canceled for safety reasons, and the officers will be assigned to roving DUI patrol.”
California Law enforcement reported that drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, suspended license, or jail time.
Additional DUI checkpoint locations will be provided as information becomes available.
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