A DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint will be held on the evening of Saturday, August 18, the Santa Monica Police Department announced today.
SMPD Sgt. Richard Lewis said the department would conduct it at an undisclosed location within the city limits.
“This is part of an ongoing campaign to reduce the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol involved crashes,” Lewis said. “DUI checkpoints are conducted to identify offenders and remove them from the street, as well as bring awareness to our community of the dangers of impaired driving.”
Lewis said officers will be contacting drivers passing through the checkpoint looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment.
“Drivers caught driving impaired can expect jail, license suspension, and insurance increases, as well as fines, fees, DUI classes, court probation and other expenses that can exceed $10,000,” Lewis said.
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.
The Santa Monica Police Department reminds drivers if you plan on drinking, have a designated driver or call a taxi cab to take you safely home.
Funding for this operation is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
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