DUI CHECKPOINT NETS ONE ARREST

Long Beach, CA

The Long Beach Police Department Traffic Section conducted a DUI/Drivers License checkpoint on Saturday, February 25, 2017. The checkpoint was located at the intersection of Ocean Boulevard and Cherry Avenue, between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m. Checkpoints are placed in locations that have the greatest opportunity for achieving drunk and drugged driving deterrence and provide the greatest safety for officers and the public.

High Visibility Enforcement operations, which include DUI/Drivers License checkpoints, have been shown to lower DUI deaths and injuries. Major components of these checkpoints are the deterrent effect on those who might drive alcohol or drug impaired, bringing about more awareness, and encouraging everyone to use sober designated drivers.

The checkpoint resulted in:
· 1566 vehicles through the checkpoint
· 367 vehicles screened
· 1 DUI-Alcohol suspect arrested
· 7 drivers cited/arrested for operating a vehicle unlicensed or while license suspended/revoked
· 5 citations issued for unsafe driving

Drivers are encouraged to download the Designated Driver VIP, or “DDVIP,” free mobile app for Android or iPhone. The DDVIP app helps find nearby bars and restaurants that feature free incentives for the designated sober driver, from free non-alcoholic drinks to free appetizers and more. The feature-packed app even has social media tie-ins and even a tab for the non-DD to call a ride-sharing service.

Studies of California drivers have shown that 30% 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%) than did for alcohol (7.3%). Of the drugs, marijuana was most prevalent, at 7.4%, slightly more than alcohol.

Drivers caught driving impaired can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to include jail time, fines, fees, DUI classes, license suspension and other expenses that can exceed $10,000, not to mention the embarrassment when friends and family find out.

The checkpoint was funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, reminding everyone to ‘Report Drunk Driver – Call 9-1-1’.