Full Notification

FROM SMPD:

The San Mateo Police Department Traffic Unit will be conducting a DUI Checkpoint on Saturday, June 27th, 2015, eastbound E. Hillsdale Blvd at Saratoga Drive, between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 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 an impaired driver can be reduced by up to 20 percent when well-publicized DUI checkpoints and proactive DUI patrols are conducted routinely. In California, this deadly crime led to 802 deaths and nearly 24,000 serious injuries in 2012 because someone failed to designate a sober driver. Additional nationwide data shows nearly 10,000 were killed by an impaired driver that same year.

“Over the course of the past three years, DUI collisions have claimed one life and resulted in 101 injury crashes harming 141 of our friends and neighbors,” said Traffic Sergeant Tim Sullivan.

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 Drunk Driver – 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 alarming trend 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