Full Notification

For Immediate Release                                                           
August 18, 2022
 
Contact: Sergeant Michael McGehee, Traffic Bureau Supervisor
                 Santa Maria Police Department
 
The Santa Maria Police Department is holding 2 separate DUI Checkpoints August 19^th and 20th, 2022
 
Santa Maria Calif. – On August 19^th and 20th, 2022, the Santa Maria Police Department will conduct driving under the influence (DUI) Checkpoints from 6:00 P.M. to 3:00 A.M.at undisclosed locations.
 
DUI checkpoint locations are determined based on data showing incidents of impaired driving-related crashes. The primary purpose of DUI checkpoints are to promote public safety by taking suspected impaired drivers off the road.
 
Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk, any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improves traffic safety.
 
The Santa Maria Police Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.
 
Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.
 
Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
 
Prepared by: Mike McGehee, Santa Maria Police Department Traffic Sergeant