EL CAJON POLICE TO HOLD DUI CHECKPOINT FRIDAY NIGHT: ALL VEHICLES MAY BE STOPPED AND IMPAIRED DRIVERS ARESTED

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December 26, 2012 (El Cajon) --El Cajon Police Department will be conducting a DUI/Drivers License checkpoint this coming Friday, December 28, 2012 at approximately 6:00 p.m. until 3:00 a.m. Saturday, December 29.  In an effort to reduce the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol or drug involved crashes, DUI checkpoints are conducted to identify offenders and get them off the street, as well as educate the public on the dangers of impaired driving.

All too often, members of our community are senselessly injured or killed on local roadways by impaired drivers. This DUI/Drivers License checkpoint is an effort to reduce those tragedies, as well as insuring drivers have a valid driver’s license. A major component of these checkpoints is to increase awareness of the dangers of impaired driving and to encourage sober designated drivers.

A DUI checkpoint is a proven effective method for achieving this goal. By publicizing these enforcement and education efforts, The El Cajon Police Department believes motorists can be deterred from drinking and drugged driving.

Traffic volume and weather permitting, all vehicles may be checked and drivers who are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs will be arrested. Our objective is to send a clear message to those who are considering driving a motor vehicle after consuming alcohol and/or drugs – “Drunk Driving, Over the Limit, Under Arrest.”  The public is encouraged to help keep roadways safe by calling 911 if they see a suspected impaired driver.

Funding for this operation is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Safe Driving Tips

Here are simple solutions to help make our roadways safer during the holiday season.

The holiday season is one of the deadliest times of the year for alcohol-related crashes. MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) estimates that “each year nationally, more than 1,000 people typically die during the period between Thanksgiving to New Year’s in drunk driving crashes,” this due to the increased consumption of alcohol at special events and parties, when drinking and driving is more prevalent. Ironically, drinking and driving crashes are one of the most easily preventable catastrophes. Drinking and driving is a choice each driver makes.

MADD, along with Law Enforcement agencies, promote the "Designate a Driver Program" as a proactive way to deter drinking and driving. This program reminds motorists to plan ahead by designating one person to provide safe rides by staying sober. The Designate a Driver Program can be used throughout the year, not only during the holidays.

Simple Steps to Safety During the Holidays

  • If you drink, don’t drive, no matter how little you think you have had
  • Designate a driver before you arrive at an event or party
  • If hosting a party, make sure to set rules on drinking and driving. Offer to provide a ride home or a place for guests who drink to sleep. Do not serve alcohol to anyone under the age 21.  Serve plenty of food.
  • Wear a red ribbon during the holidays to increase awareness of the drinking and driving problem
  • Educate family, friends and co-workers about the risks of drinking and driving.
  • If possible, avoid driving during the early and late evening hours on holidays such as New Years. Protect yourself and passengers by wearing a safety belt at all times, in case of a crash
  • Drive alert - don't be distracted - no texting while driving!

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