The Lake Elsinore Police Department Traffic Unit will be on the lookout for drunk drivers on Saturday June 16, officials reported.
(Photo courtesy of Flickr)
The checkpoint will be held at an undisclosed location where officers have the best opportunity for catching inebriated or drugged drivers and deterring people from getting behind the wheel after they have been drinking.
Cars passing through the checkpoint will be stopped and officers will look for signs of alcohol or drug impairment. They will also be checking to make sure drivers have valid driver’s licenses.
DUI checkpoints along with regularly scheduled high visibility DUI enforcement serves as a proven deterrent with the goal of removing drunk drivers and heightened awareness of the dangers of driving under the influence, Sgt. Marc Cloutier said.
In 2010, over 10,000 people were killed nationally in motor vehicle traffic crashes that involved at least one driver or motorcycle rider with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 percent or higher. In California, this deadly crime led to 791 deaths because someone failed to designate a sober driver.
The age group with the highest percentage of alcohol-impaired-driving fatalities in motor vehicle traffic crashes was the 21-to-24 age group.
Sgt. Cloutier added that over the past three years, the Lake Elsinore Police Department has investigated 58 fatal and DUI injury collisions. During that same time 71 people were injured and six died as a result of DUI related accidents.
Law enforcement officials hope the checkpoints will send a strong message to those who are considering driving after cosuming alcohol or drugs.
People who are arrested for DUI face jail time, loss of their driver’s license, higher insurance rates, hefty financial fees, court costs and the potential loss of a job.
“When family, friends and co-workers find out, violators can also face tremendous personal embarrassment and humiliation,” Sgt. Cloutier said.
Stephanie D. Schulte is a writer/photographer with SWRNN. She can be reached at stephanie.schulte@swrnn.com.
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