The Escondido Times-Advocate reports that the Escondido Police Department will conduct a DUI checkpoint at an undisclosed location on Saturday, October 22, beginning at 6:00 p.m.
Police officers will be on the lookout for motorists who may be under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
Escondido Police Department Interim Chief David Cramer told reporters that impairment is not only caused by alcohol but also by marijuana, prescription, and even over-the-counter medications.
“Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk,” Chief Cramer said, “Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improves traffic safety.”
DUI checkpoints are chosen based on past traffic data indicating where DUI arrests and crashes have happened. Police say that the primary goal of conducting the checkpoint is not to make arrests but to promote public safety on our streets and highways.
Law enforcement officials remind motorists that if they are planning on drinking or taking medications that may impair their ability to drive safely, they should either appoint a designated driver or stay home.
On average, motorists charged with DUI will face $5,000 in fines and penalties and the suspension of their driver’s license.
The Escondido and other DUI checkpoints across the state are funded through a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
