INCIDENT: Traffic Safety Checkpoint & DUI Citywide Patrols
DATE/TIME: Friday November 3rd, 2017
Checkpoint 9pm – 3am
Patrols 7pm-3am
LOCATION: DUI Checkpoint at Holt and Union; DUI Patrols Citywide
UNIT: Traffic Services
The Pomona Police Department Traffic Bureau conducted a DUI/Drivers License checkpoint on 11-3-17, at Holt and Union between the hours of 9 PM and 3 AM. DUI Saturation Patrols were city-wide between the hours of 7 PM and 3 AM. Checkpoints are placed in locations that have the greatest opportunity for achieving drunk and drugged driving deterrence and provide the greatest safety for officers and the public. High Visibility Enforcement efforts like this have a deterrent effect, lowering the incidents of impaired driving.
In recent years, California has seen a disturbing increase in drug-impaired driving crashes. Pomona PD supports the new effort from the Office of Traffic Safety that aims to educate all drivers that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” If you take prescription drugs, particularly those with a driving or operating machinery warning on the label, you might be impaired enough to get a DUI. Marijuana can also be impairing, especially in combination with alcohol or other drugs, and can result in a DUI.
Studies of California drivers have shown that 30 percent 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 percent) than did for alcohol (7.3 percent). Of the drugs, marijuana was most prevalent, at 7.4 percent, 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 affects.
The Checkpoint and DUI Saturation held on 11-3-17 resulted in the following:
1067 Vehicles Screened
1 DUI-Alcohol suspect arrested
15 Drivers cited/arrested for operating a vehicle unlicensed or while suspended/revoked
Drivers are encouraged to download the Designated Driver VIP, or “DDVIP,” free mobile app for Android or iPhone. The DDVIP app helps find nearby bars and restaurants that feature free incentives for the designated sober driver, from free non-alcoholic drinks to free appetizers and more. The feature-packed app even has social media tie-ins and even a tab for the non-DD to call Uber, Lyft or Curb.
Drivers caught driving impaired can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to include jail time, fines, fees, DUI classes, license suspension and other expenses that can exceed $10,000 not to mention the embarrassment when friends and family find out.
Pomona PD will be conducting another DUI/Drivers License Checkpoint and DUI Saturation Patrol throughout the year in our ongoing commitment to lowering deaths and injuries upon our streets and highways.
The checkpoint and DUI Saturation Patrols were funded 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’.
Prepared by: Traffic Services
Pomona Police Department
909-620-2156
