On February 4, 2012 the San Diego Police Department conducted a DUI checkpoint in the 4100 block of El Cajon Boulevard in the Mid-City community. The checkpoint was made possible by a UC Berkeley "DUI Mini Grant."
The checkpoint was operational from 0901 to 0043 hours. 971 vehicles passed through the checkpoint. 809 of those vehicles were contacted by officers. 10 motorists were detained for a further evaluation of their sobriety. One arrest was made for DUI, and one vehicle impound was conducted at the checkpoint. One citation was issued to a passenger of a vehicle who threw an open alcohol container out of the window of a moving car as it drove into the checkpoint. Four additional arrests were made for DUI during saturation patrols in the Mid-City service area, and one additional vehicle was impounded for a suspended driver's license. One citation was also issued for a suspended driver's license.
"The message is simple, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over. Drinking alcohol and driving do not mix. If you plan to consume alcohol, you should also plan not to get behind the wheel of a vehicle or ride a motorcycle," said Officer Mark McCullough.
Officer McCullough recommends these simple tips:
- Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin.
- Before drinking, designate a sober driver and leave your car keys at home.
- If you're impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation.
- If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don't hesitate to contact your local law enforcement - Call 911.
- Remember, "RUOK?" is a ridiculous question. If you think they've had too much to drink, they probably have. Help him or her make other arrangements to get home safely.
The national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over crackdown is led by the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and NHTSA, with the California Avoid DUI Task Force Campaign, combining high-visibility enforcement and heightened public awareness through publicity.
For statewide and local Avoid DUI Task Force Campaign Enforcement Schedules for the county and Daily DUI Arrest/Fatal Stats for the county and region, visit . The Program is funded by the California Office of Traffic Safety which reminds everyone to please - Report Drunk Drivers - Call 9-1-1!
