A DUI and Driver’s license checkpoint will be conducted by Glendale Police Department on Saturday, Jan. 19.
According to officials, the Glendale Police Department Traffic Unit will conduct a DUI and driver’s license checkpoint on Saturday, Jan. 19 in Glendale. The location of the checkpoint has not yet been released.
The DUI and driver’s license checkpoint will be conducted between 7:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. on Jan. 19.
Glendale Police Sgt. Tom Lorenz provided details regarding the checkpoint saying that the checkpoint will be set up to check for drunk drivers and those driving without a valid driver’s license. He also said that checkpoints have a deterrent effect and have proven in reducing the number of fatal crashes involving drunk and drugged driving.
During the checkpoint, officers will look out for impaired drivers and will also be checking for proper licensing. Checkpoints do not take up a lot of time and drivers passing through the checkpoint will be delayed only momentarily. However, those showing signs of impairment or driving without proper licensing will be moved aside for further investigation.
Research shows that well-publicized DUI checkpoints, when conducted regularly, help reduce the number of crashes involving alcohol by 20 percent.
Christopher J. Murphy, Director of the Office of Traffic Safety said in a prepared statement, ” DUI Checkpoints have been an essential part of the phenomenal reduction in DUI deaths that we witnessed since 2006 in California. But since the tragedy of DUI accounts for nearly one third of traffic fatalities, Glendale needs the high visibility enforcement and public awareness that checkpoints provide.”
A DUI conviction in the state of California carries heavy penalties and charges. Those charged with impaired driving may have to serve jail time, face license suspension, pay heavy fines and fees and may even have to attend DUI classes as ordered by court. DUI offenders also face sky high insurance premiums and may also be required to install a mandatory ignition interlock device in their vehicle.
A DUI charge can turn out to be extremely costly with expenses exceeding $10,000.
Statistics show that over 10,000 people were killed nationally in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2010 as a result of drunk driving. All these crashes involved drivers with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or more. In California alone, drunk driving led to the death of 791 people in 2010.
The scheduled checkpoint is being financed through a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Drivers are also advised to be careful on the roads and to stay on the lookout for drunk and impaired drivers. If you see a drunk driver on the road, call 9-1-1 to report him or her to the authorities. When reporting a drunk driver, you should provide a description of the suspected vehicle and driver, and also report the license plate number if possible.
