Contact: Officer
K. Lee / 626-574-5475
DUI/Drivers
License Checkpoint Planned
Arcadia, CA – The Arcadia Police
Department Traffic Unit will be conducting a DUI/Drivers License Checkpoint on December
18, 2015 in the area of Baldwin Avenue and Harvard Drive between the hours of 7:00
PM and 3:00 AM.
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 867 deaths and over 23,000 serious
injuries in 2013 because someone failed to designate a sober driver. Nationally, the latest data shows over 10,000
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.
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. Everyone should be mindful that if
you’re taking medication – whether prescription or over-the-counter – drinking
even small amounts of alcohol can greatly intensify the impairment affects.
Law Enforcement emphasizes the preventable
nature of drunk driving reminding everyone that all it takes is a little
planning ahead. Designate a sober driver or call a cab. But whatever you do,
don’t drink and drive.
The California Office of Traffic Safety DDVIP (Designated Driver VIP) mobile
app is now available for free download on iOS and Android devices. Launched
last year, the new DDVIP app offers enhanced features, allowing users to “Map a
Spot” with their current location to find DDVIP partnering establishments in
their area or a “List of Spots” to search all participating bars and
restaurants throughout California. Users will be offered free incentives at
each bar to celebrate their life saving role.
They can stay up-to-date with the latest from DDVIP and see what other
users are saying via its social tab. Also through the app, for those who want
to imbibe but also make it a point to plan ahead, users can easily order a
sober ride from Uber, Lyft or Curb – all from one screen.
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 the
Arcadia Police Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic
Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, reminding
everyone to ‘Report Drunk Driver – Call 9-1-1’.
Robert T.
Guthrie
Chief of Police
By:
Kollin Cieadlo
Traffic
Sergeant
Don’t forget to visit the Arcadia Police Department News &
Information Blog or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Nixle for other pertinent
news and information. Remember, the
solution begins with you!
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