Full Notification

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:                                       March 10^th, 2023                  
Advisory: DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint Planned Friday 3/17/23 in Petaluma.

Petaluma, CA – The Petaluma Police Department Traffic Unit will be conducting a DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint on Friday March 17, 2023 at an undisclosed location within the city limits between the hours of 6:00pm and 2:00am.   
 
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. DUI Checkpoints are placed in locations based on collision statistics and frequency of DUI arrests, affording the greatest opportunity for achieving drunk and drugged driving deterrence. Locations are chosen with safety considerations for the officers and the public.
 
In California, this deadly crime led to 780 deaths in 2020 because someone failed to designate a sober driver.  Nationally, the data shows 11,654 people were killed by an impaired driver.
 
Officers will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment with officers checking drivers for proper licensing delaying motorists only 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. 
  
The Petaluma Police Department encourages people who visit and enjoy Petaluma on this Saint Patrick’s Day Celebration, to plan ahead and either designate a sober driver, use ride share or call a taxi to avoid drinking and driving.  Driving Under the Influence is 100% preventable. 

The Petaluma Police Department is committed to increasing overall traffic safety and reducing the number of alcohol-related collisions.  We will continue our efforts to locate and identify impaired drivers.  Drivers caught driving impaired and charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 to $20,000 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.

Funding for the DUI Saturation Patrol was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Issued By:
Sergeant Walt Spiller, Petaluma PD, 707-778-4596