Full Notification

The Pasadena Police Department Traffic Unit will be conducting a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and Driver License Checkpoint on Friday, August 12, 2016 at an undisclosed location within the City of Pasadena between the hours of 6:00 p.m. to 3:00 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% when well-publicized DUI checkpoints and proactive DUI patrols are initiated routinely.

DUI Checkpoints are placed in locations based on collision statistics and frequency of DUI arrests, affording the greatest opportunity for achieving drunk and/or drugged driving deterrence. Locations are selected with safety considerations for the officers and the public. Officers will speak with motorists while watching for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment. During this momentarily delay, officers will also be checking for proper motor vehicle operator’s licensing.

Recent statistics reveal that 30% 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%) than did for alcohol (7.3%). Of the drugs, marijuana was most prevalent, at
7.4 %, 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.

Law Enforcement emphasizes the preventable nature of drunk driving reminding everyone that all it takes is some planning. Designate a sober driver, use a taxi or one of the many rideshare options. But whatever you do, don’t drink and drive.

Drivers caught driving impaired can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to include jail time, fines, fees, impounding of their vehicle, mandated DUI classes and other expenses that can exceed $10,000 not to mention the likely negative impacts on friends, family and employment.

Funding for this checkpoint is provided to Pasadena Police Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

We all remind you to Report Drunk Drivers by Calling 9-1-1.