Carlsbad CA— The City of Carlsbad Police Department announced it will hold a DUI Checkpoint on Friday, September 25, from 7p.m to 2.a.m., in Carlsbad.
Checkpoint locations are chosen based on a history of DUI collisions and arrests. The Police Department joins efforts with the California Office of Traffic Safety to promote public safety by deterring drivers from driving impaired.
During the checkpoint, officers will look for signs that drivers are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
“In every state it’s illegal to drive with a BAC of .08 or higher, yet one person is killed in a drunk-driving collision every 52 minutes in the United States,” stated Traffic Lieutenant Christie Calderwood.
Lieutenant Calderwood goes on to remind the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. Always follow directions for use and read warning labels about driving or operating heavy machinery, which includes driving a car. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.
If you plan on drinking or taking medications that may impact your ability to drive, stay at home or plan for a safe ride home. Use a taxi or rideshare service. If you see a drunk driver, call 911.
Drivers charged with DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.
Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.