Full Notification

This Labor Day, and Every Day: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over

Union City California. — As we enter the final stretch of summer spending time at the pool or barbequing with friends and family, the Union City Police Department is driving home the importance of celebrating responsibly by not driving or riding a motorcycle, while impaired.

From Aug. 17 through Sept. 3, the Union City Police Department is participating in a high-visibility national enforcement campaign, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over. During this period, Police and Sheriff’s Departments statewide, along with the California Highway Patrol, will increase the number of officers on the road to stop suspected drunk or drug impaired drivers and motorcyclists. If you are caught driving or riding impaired, you can be pulled over and arrested.

The Union City Police Department will have a special emphasis during this 18-day mobilization to enforce all traffic violations by deploying a DUI Checkpoint on Friday August 17th, 2018.

The enforcement campaign runs through the Labor Day holiday weekend, which is one of the deadliest times of year in terms of alcohol-involved traffic deaths. Sadly, one-third of all traffic deaths involve drunk drivers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 10,497 people were killed in alcohol-involved crashes, or one person every 50 minutes.

The Union City Police Department will participate in this zero tolerance enforcement campaign, joining efforts by the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS). One of the goals is to educate drivers that "DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze." If you take prescription drugs, particularly those with a driving or operating machinery warning label, you may be impaired enough to get a DUI. Marijuana can also cause impairment and result in a DUI, especially when combined with alcohol or other drugs.

Over a period of ten years, from 2005-2015, the percentage of drivers involved in fatal crashes with an impairing drug (other than alcohol) in their system has risen from 26.2 percent to 42.6 percent. As far back as 2012, a roadside survey in California showed 14 % of drivers tested positive for impairing drugs, compared to only 7.3% testing positive for alcohol.

There will also be increased state and national messages about the dangers of riding motorcycles while impaired. Collaborative education and enforcement aims to drastically reduce drunk or drug impaired riding of motorcycles on our nation’s roadways.

Motorcycles require specific training and skill. When a rider adds alcohol, marijuana or impairing prescription medication to the mix, it is not only illegal, but it increases the risky nature of riding a motorcycle.

There are a number of options available to assist people in getting home safely. There is no excuse for getting behind the wheel when you are impaired.

To avoid a DUI and putting others, and yourself, at risk, the Union City Police Department has a few tips to stay safe on the roads:

• Always designate a sober driver.

• Have a plan to get home safely. Think about using public transportation or a ride sharing service to get home.

• Think about taking the keys away from friends or family members who are impaired and/or help them make arrangements to get home safely.

• Report drunk drivers - call 911.

The Office of Traffic Safety’s Designated Driver VIP Program, lets users see nearby bars who are choosing to reward designated drivers with discounts and free non-alcoholic beverages. Essentially, it gives designated sober drivers the VIP treatment they deserve. DDVIP information can be located at https://ots.ca.gov/pdf/DDVIP-App.pdf and the application is now available for free download on iOS and Android devices. Additionally, the DDVIP application helps users order a sober ride from a number of ride sharing services.

Avoid the impact and embarrassment of a DUI and have a plan to get home safely. A DUI arrest can include jail time, fines, fees, DUI Classes, driver’s license suspensions and other expenses that can exceed $10,000 dollars.

Grant funding for this checkpoint was provided to the Union City Police Department from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Traffic Safety Administration.

P.I.O Lieutenant Steve Mendez (English and Spanish)
510-675-5243 (Direct Line)
[email protected] (Email)

For Traffic or specific grant related questions please contact:
Sergeant Jeff Stewart #2417
Union City Police Department – Traffic Unit
(510) 675-5221
[email protected] (Email)