The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Traffic Services Detail will be conducting a DUI/driver license checkpoint from 6 p.m. Friday to 4 a.m. Saturday in West Hollywood.
DUI checkpoints have been proven to reduce the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol or drug involved crashes. Research shows that crashes involving an impaired driver can be reduced by up to 20% when well-publicized DUI checkpoints and DUI patrols are conducted routinely. DUI checkpoints are placed in locations based on collision statistics and frequency of DUI arrests.
Deputies will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment with officers checking drivers for proper licensing and delaying motorists only briefly. When possible, specially trained officers will be available to evaluate those suspected of drug-impaired driving, which now accounts for a growing number of impaired driving crashes.
Recent statistics reveal 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. Anyone taking medication – whether prescription or over-the-counter – should be aware that drinking even small amounts of alcohol can greatly intensify the impairment affects.
Designate a sober driver or call a cab. The California Office of Traffic Safety DDVIP (Designated Driver VIP) mobile app is now available for free download on iOS and Android devices. Launched last year, the new DDVIP app offers features that allow users to designate their current location to find DDVIP partnering establishments in their area or to search all participating bars and restaurants throughout California. Users will be offered free incentives at each bar to celebrate their life saving role. Also through the app, those who want to imbibe but also make it a point to plan ahead can easily order a sober ride from Uber, Lyft or Curb – all from one screen.
Drivers caught driving impaired can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to include jail time, fines, fees, DUI classes, other expenses that can exceed $10,000.
