Full Notification

For Immediate Release

Wednesday, November 28, 2018 4:11 PM

Contact: Sgt. Jerrod Marshall (707) 584-2600

Cmdr. Aaron Johnson (707) 588-3580 Monday-Thursday 8am-5pm

ROHNERT PARK, CA –

The Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety will be conducting a DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint on 12/08/2018, at an undisclosed location within the city limits between the hours of 7:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.

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 alcohol drop by an average of 20 percent when well-publicized checkpoints are conducted often enough. "Our goal is to reduce the number of impaired drivers on the roadways endangering others using our city streets." said Sgt. Jerrod Marshall.

Officers will be contacting drivers passing through the checkpoint looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment. Officers will also check drivers for proper licensing and will strive to delay motorists only momentarily. When possible, specially trained officers will be available to evaluate those suspected of drug-impaired driving. Drivers caught driving impaired can expect jail, license suspension, and insurance increases, as well as fines, fees, DUI classes, other expenses that can exceed $10,000.

In 2010, over 10,000 people were killed nationally in motor vehicle traffic crashes that involved at least one driver or motorcycle rider with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or higher. In California, this deadly crime led to 791 deaths because someone failed to designate a sober driver. This loss of life continues even in Sonoma County with a recent death from DUI in the city of Rohnert Park.

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. Based on collision statistics and frequency of DUI arrests, DUI Checkpoints are placed in locations that have the greatest opportunity for achieving drunk and drugged driving deterrence. Locations are chosen with safety considerations for the officers and the public.

Funding for this checkpoint is provided to Rohnert Park DPS by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, reminding everyone to continue to work together to bring an end to these tragedies. Remember, Buzzed driving is drunk driving and drunk driving is not just Booz. If you see a Drunk Driver – Call 9-1-1.

To schedule an interview regarding the Rohnert Park DPS Traffic Safety Operations, please contact Sgt. Jerrod Marshall at 707-584-2600 or via email at jmarshall@rpcity.org.