My News LA reports three people were arrested, and 10 citations were issued during a DUI checkpoint set up over the weekend.
According to a statement released by the law enforcement agency, the checkpoint was conducted at Indian Canyon Drive just south of 19th Avenue from 6:00 p.m. Friday evening until 2:00 a.m. Saturday morning. Authorities say that the location was selected from data on past DUI crashes and arrests in the area.
Officers with the Desert Hot Springs Police Department screened 895 vehicles. Of these, two people were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, one was arrested for driving on a suspended or revoked driver’s license, and 10 additional citations were issued to motorists who were driving without a license.
“Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk,” Desert Hot Springs Police Chief Jim Henson told reporters. “Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improves traffic safety.”
Law enforcement officials remind the public that someone may be considered impaired not only after consuming alcohol. A driver can be impaired if they are under the influence of marijuana, some prescription medications, or even over-the-counter medications which can impair driving.
Even a first-time DUI charge can cost $13,500 in penalties and fines on average. Impaired drivers can also have their driving privileges suspended for a period of one year.
