Full Notification

The Torrance Police Department Traffic Unit conducted a DUI/Drivers License checkpoint on February 24, 2017, in the 4200 block of 190th Street between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m. Checkpoints are placed in locations that have the greatest opportunity for achieving drunk and drugged driving deterrence and provide the greatest safety for officers and the public.   

 High Visibility Enforcements, which include DUI/Drivers License checkpoints, have been shown to lower DUI deaths and injuries.  A major component of these checkpoints are the deterrent effects it has on those who might drive alcohol or drug impaired, bringing about more awareness and encouraging everyone to use sober designated drivers.  

Throughout the evening, 1,253 vehicles passed through the checkpoint which resulted in the following:

 1,085 Vehicles Screened

4 DUI-Alcohol suspects arrested 

11 Drivers cited/arrested for operating a vehicle unlicensed or while suspended/revoked 

10 Citations Issued

Drivers are encouraged to download the Designated Driver VIP or “DDVIP” free mobile app for Android or iPhone.  The DDVIP app helps find nearby bars and restaurants that feature free incentives for the designated sober driver, from free non-alcoholic drinks to free appetizers and more.  The feature-packed app even has social media tie-ins and even a tab for the non-DD to call Uber, Lyft or Curb.

Studies of California drivers have shown that in fatal crashes, 30 percent of the drivers have had one or more drug in their system. 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. 

Drivers caught driving impaired can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to include jail time, fines, fees, DUI classes, license suspension and other expenses that can exceed $10,000 not to mention the embarrassment when friends and family find out.   The Torrance Police Department will be conducting another DUI/Drivers License Checkpoint in March of 2017 in our ongoing commitment to lowering deaths and injuries upon our streets and highways.

 The checkpoint was funded 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.’ 

Lieutenant Kyle Goffney Traffic and Special Events Division Commander