MARIPOSA – The Mariposa Area of the California Highway Patrol will be conducting a DUI/Drivers License Checkpoint on Aug. 30, between the hours of 6 p.m. and 2 a.m., somewhere within Mariposa County.
The deterrent effect of DUI checkpoints is a proven resource in reducing the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol or drug involved crashes.
Research shows that crashes involving an impaired driver can be reduced by up to 20 percent when well-publicized DUI checkpoints and proactive DUI patrols are conducted routinely.
In California, this deadly crime led to 802 deaths in 2012 because someone failed to designate a sober driver. Nationally, the latest data shows nearly 10,000 people were killed by impaired drivers.
“Even one injury or death as the result of impaired driving is one too many,” says Mariposa CHP Commander Lt. Rebecca Hagen. “Our goal is to raise awareness with this checkpoint, and remind people of what’s at stake when they get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol or drugs.”
Officers will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment, and also checking drivers for proper licensing. The checkpoint will be set up so as to delay motorists only momentarily. When possible, specially trained officers will be available to evaluate those suspected of drug-impaired driving.
Recent statistics reveal that 30 percent of drivers in fatal crashes had one or more drugs in their system. A study of active drivers showed more tested positive for drugs that may impair driving (14 percent) than did for alcohol (7.3 percent). Of the drugs, marijuana was most prevalent, at 7.4 percent, slightly more than alcohol.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), checkpoints have provided the most effective documented results of any of the DUI enforcement strategies, while also yielding considerable cost savings of $6 for every $1 spent. Nearly 90 percent of California drivers approve of DUI checkpoints.
DUI checkpoints are placed in locations based on collision statistics and frequency of DUI arrests, affording the greatest opportunity for achieving drunk and drugged driving deterrence. Locations are chosen with safety considerations for the officers and the public.
Drivers caught driving impaired can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to include jail time, fines, fees, DUI classes and other expenses that can exceed $10,000, not to mention the embarrassment when friends and family find out.
Funding for this checkpoint is provided to the California Highway Patrol by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Safety Administration, reminding everyone to “Report Drunk Drivers – Call 9-1-1.”
