KTLA.com reports that an allegedly intoxicated teenager collided with a Metro bus in East Los Angeles Wednesday morning, injuring fourteen people.
The Los Angeles County Fire Department stated they were called around 10:45 am about an incident at Whitter Boulevard and Downey Road. They reported that fourteen people were taken to local hospitals, including three in critical condition. A Metro bus plowed into a Volkswagen Beetle, driven by a local 17-year-old who was allegedly intoxicated.
The driver was detained on suspicion of driving while under the influence (DUI.) The California Highway Patrol did not release any identifying information about the driver or other details about the accident as of yet.
Also recently, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department sent out a press release announcing DUI checkpoints upcoming in the area.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department will hold DUI checkpoints from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Aug. 21 and 28 at an undisclosed location within city limits.
Checkpoint locations are chosen based on a history of DUI crashes and arrests. The primary purpose of checkpoints is not to make arrests, but to promote public safety by deterring drivers from driving impaired.
During the checkpoint, deputies will look for signs that drivers are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department will have additional deputies on patrol from Friday through the Labor Day weekend (Sept. 7) looking for suspected impaired drivers. The increased efforts to address impaired driving are part of a national enforcement campaign, Driver Sober or Get Pulled Over.
“The dangers of drinking and driving are very real,” Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Sgt. Robert Hill said. “That includes drugs that affect your ability to drive. Please be responsible and think of your family and friends before considering driving when you are not in a position to do so safely.”
