In an ongoing effort to crack down on drunk drivers, the Gardena Police Department will conduct a DUI-Drivers License Checkpoint in an undisclosed street in the city from 8:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 19 to 3:30 a.m. the next day.
Law enforcement officials say that the DUI checkpoints are cost effective and “have reduced the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol or drug-involved crashes.”
In an ongoing effort to crack down on drunk drivers, the Gardena Police Department will conduct a DUI-Drivers License Checkpoint in an undisclosed street in the city from 8:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 19 to 3:30 a.m. the next day.
Law enforcement officials say that the DUI checkpoints are cost effective and “have reduced the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol or drug-involved crashes.”
They say that 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.
GPD provided data that shows in California alone, alcohol-related deaths totaled 774 victims in the past three years. Nationally, the latest date show nearly 10,000 were killed due to impaired driving.
Gardena police Lt. Steve Prendergast compared DUI-related crashes and injuries sustained in those accidents.
“Over the past three years in Gardena, DUI collisions have resulted in 108 injury-related collisions in which 165 people sustained an injury,” Prendergast said.
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.
Recent statistics reveal that 30 percent of drivers in fatal crashes had one or more drugs in their systems. 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.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), checkpoints have provided the most effective documented results of any of the DUI enforcement strategies, while also yielding considerable cost savings of $6 for every $1 spent. Nearly 90 percent of California drivers approve of DUI checkpoints.
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.
Drivers caught driving impaired can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to include jail time, fines, fees, DUI classes, other expenses that can exceed $10,000 not to mention the embarrassment when friends and family find out.
Funding for the regular checkpoint is from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration,
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.
Recent statistics reveal that 30 percent of drivers in fatal crashes had one or more drugs in their systems. 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.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), checkpoints have provided the most effective documented results of any of the DUI enforcement strategies, while also yielding considerable cost savings of $6 for every $1 spent. Nearly 90 percent of California drivers approve of DUI checkpoints.
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.
Drivers caught driving impaired can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to include jail time, fines, fees, DUI classes, 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 Gardena Police Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The public is asked to ‘report drunk drivers by calling 9-1-1.’
