San Mateo County’s “Avoid the 23” DUI enforcement activities will include a checkpoint in San Carlos as part of a major enforcement effort during the Summer Mobilization Period which commenced on August 21st and will continue through Labor Day, September 7th. On Friday, September 4, 2015, a DUI/ Driver’s License checkpoint staffed by law enforcement personnel from various San Mateo County agencies will be held at El Camino Real and St. Francis Way from 8:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.
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. 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.
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. 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 a DUI arrest to include jail time, fines, fees, DUI classes, other expenses that can exceed $10,000.
Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
