Full Notification

Alhambra, CA - Alhambra Police Department Traffic Bureau will be conducting a DUI/Driver's License Checkpoint on Friday, September 16, 2016, at Garfield Avenue and Beacon Street between the hours of 7:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.

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 2014 Annual Performance Report, there were 882 alcohol impaired driving fatalities in 2014 where the driver had a blood alcohol content of .08% or greater. Nationally, the latest data shows nearly 10,000 people were killed by an impaired driver in 2014.

"Over the course of the past three years, 78 DUI related collisions in Alhambra have claimed 2 lives and injured an additional 61 of our friends and neighbors," said Sgt. Mallette from the Alhambra Police Department.

Officers will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment while simultaneously checking drivers for proper licensing. These checks may delay motorists momentarily. 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. Drugs which may impair driving not only include illegal narcotics, but many prescription drugs, marijuana, and even some over-the-counter medications.

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 arrest to include jail time, fines, fees, DUI classes, and 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 the 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 Drivers – Call 9-1-1'.