Full Notification

The San Mateo Police Department Traffic Unit will be conducting a DUI Checkpoint beginning on Friday, December 8th, 2017 on the 500 Block of South El Camino Real, between the hours of 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.   
 
The deterrent effect of DUI checkpoints is a proven resource in reducing the number of people 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.  With more than 900 people a year killed in alcohol related accidents, our primary mission to save lives carries on, with California law enforcement continuing statewide efforts to stop this tragic epidemic.
 
_{“Average cost of a ride share app: $15 Average cost of a DUI: $15,500! You can lose your job, your life, or kill someone. It’s just not worth it. Make the right choice, don’t drive drunk”, Traffic Officer Julio Jolivette}
 
Officers will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment, delaying motorists only momentarily.  When possible, specially trained officers will be available to evaluate those suspected of drug-impaired driving.  Drugs, which may impair driving not only, include illegal narcotics, but many prescription drugs, marijuana, and even some over-the-counter medications.  Drivers caught driving impaired can expect the impact of the arrest to include jail time, fines, fees, DUI classes, other expenses that can exceed $10,000 not to mention the humiliation that invariably comes when friends and family find out.
 
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 both the officers and the public.  Funding for this checkpoint is provided to The San Mateo Police Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, reminding everyone to ‘Report All Drunk Drivers – Call 9-1-1’.
 
 
MESSAGE FOR OUR COMMUNITY
Please don’t hesitate to report suspected drunk or impaired drivers immediately to police by calling 911.  With your help, we can combat this dangerous crime together and save lives. Some visible signs of impaired driving can include:
 
·        Quick acceleration or deceleration
·        Tailgating, weaving, or zig-zagging across the road
·        Almost striking an object, curb, or vehicle
·        Stopping without cause or erratic braking
·        Drifting in and out of traffic lanes