According to a recent report on the Patch.com website, the Santa Monica Police announced that it would begin the long Labor Day holiday weekend by conducting a DUI checkpoint on Friday night.
The DUI checkpoint will be conducted at an undisclosed location from 6:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m., and officers will be looking for drivers who may be operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The Santa Monica Police Department said it will also be hosting a “Know Your Limit” event on Saturday, September 3rd, from 7:.00 p.m. until Midnight. Officers will ask customers at a local Santa Monica venue how many drinks they’ve consumed and whether they believe they can operate a vehicle safely. Volunteers can take a breathalyzer test to learn their blood alcohol level at that time.
Labor Day Weekend has proved to be the deadliest summer holiday regarding traffic fatalities and injuries in the state of California. The SMPD hopes both events will help raise awareness about the potential risks of driving while impaired.
The goal is to help people understand the effects of alcohol so they can make intelligent decisions about how to get home,” an SMPD spokesperson said in a statement.”It only takes a few drinks to impair, and that is why it’s so important for people to know their limit.”
On average, someone facing a first-time DUI charge can expect to pay $13,500 in fines and court costs, and their license will be suspended.
By informing the public of the upcoming DUI checkpoint and Saturday’s event, the Santa Monica Police Department hopes it will encourage motorists to make wiser decisions about drinking and driving.
