Santa Clarita Deputies To Host DUI-Driver’s License Checkpoints

Posted by: Perry Smith in Sheriff News June 19, 2014 - 2:08 pm 0 172 Views

Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station deputies are hosting DUI-driver’s license checkpoints Friday in Santa Clarita, officials said.

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The checkpoints will take place within Santa Clarita city limits, from about 7 p.m. to 2 a.m., according to a Sheriff’s Department news release.

Officials touted the deterrent effect of DUI checkpoints as a proven resource in reducing the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol- or drug-involved crashes in a Nixle news release.

“Research shows that crashes involving alcohol drop by an average of 20 percent when well-publicized checkpoints are conducted often enough,” according to the Sheriff’s Department report.

Related article: Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station Announces DUI Checkpoint For Friday

Deputies will be contacting drivers passing through the checkpoint for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment and for proper licensing.

Sheriff’s deputies expect “to delay motorists only momentarily,” according to the statement.

When possible, specially trained officers will be available to evaluate those suspected of drug-impaired driving.

Drivers caught driving impaired can expect jail, license suspension, and insurance increases, as well as fines, fees, DUI classes, other expenses that can exceed $10,000.

In 2011, nearly 10,000 people were killed nationally in motor vehicle traffic crashes that involved at least one driver or motorcycle rider with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or higher.

In California, this deadly crime led to 774 deaths because someone failed to designate a sober driver.

“Over the course of the past three years, DUI collisions have claimed 49 lives and resulted in 893 injury crashes harming 1,113 of our friends and neighbors,” said Sgt. Joseph Jakl of the Risk Management Bureau.

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, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Based on collision statistics and frequency of DUI arrests, DUI checkpoints are placed in locations that have the greatest opportunity for achieving drunk and drugged driving deterrence. Locations are chosen with safety considerations for the officers and the public.

Funding for these operations is provided to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department 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.

Those who see a drunk driver are asked to call 911 to report the offense to their nearest law enforcement agency.

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