Full Notification

DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint Planned Next Weekend

Alhambra, CA – Alhambra Police Department Traffic Bureau will be conducting a DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint at the intersection of Garfield Avenue and Linda Vista Ave. beginning at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, March 14th until 3:00 a.m. Saturday, March 15th.

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. 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.

According to the California Office of Traffic Safety’s 2013 Annual Performance Report, there were 802 alcohol impaired driving fatalities in California and approximately 10,000 deaths nationwide in 2012.

Lt. Sean Heckers, a veteran traffic enforcement officer, from the Alhambra Police Department said “Over the course of the past three years, 28 DUI related collisions in Alhambra have claimed 1 life and injured an additional 39 of our friends and neighbors.”

Officers will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment with officers checking drivers for proper licensing, delaying motorists only momentarily. Specially trained officers will be available to evaluate those suspected of drug-impaired driving.

Recent statistics reveal that 30 percent 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 percent) than did for alcohol (7.3 percent). Of the drugs, marijuana was most prevalent, at 7.4 percent, slightly more than alcohol.

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. Nearly 90 percent of California drivers approve of DUI checkpoints.

DUI Checkpoints are placed in locations based on collision statistics and frequency of DUI arrests affording the greatest opportunity for achieving drunk and drug-impaired driving deterrence. Locations are chosen with safety considerations for the officers and the public.

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

Funding for this checkpoint is provided to Alhambra Police Department 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’.