Full Notification

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
December 17^th, 2024            

Advisory: DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint Planned Thursday 12/19/24 in Petaluma
 
Petaluma, CA – The Petaluma Police Department Traffic Unit will be conducting a DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint on Thursday December 19^th, 2024, 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 1370 deaths in 2021 because someone failed to designate a sober driver.  This accounts for nearly a third of all traffic deaths in California.  Nationally, the data shows 13,384 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 during the summer months, 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 Checkpoint 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