The Sacramento Police Department will be conducting a sobriety and driver license checkpoint on Friday, January 18, 2013, at Power Inn and Elder Creek Roads.  It will begin at 8:00 p.m. and run for 5-7 hours. Traffic flowing through the checkpoint will be contacted by uniformed officers, who will be checking for alcohol and/or drug-impaired drivers. Officers will also check to make sure all drivers have a valid driver license.

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 alcohol drop by an average of 20 percent when well-publicized checkpoints are conducted often enough.

In 2010, over 10,000 people were killed nationally in motor vehicle traffic crashes that involved at least one driver or motorcycle rider with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or higher. In California, this deadly crime led to 791 deaths because someone failed to designate a sober driver. 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.  Based on collision statistics and frequency of DUI arrests, DUI checkpoints are placed in locations that have the greatest opportunity for achieving drunk and drugged driving deterrence.  Locations are chosen with safety considerations for the officers and the public.

The purpose of the checkpoint is to promote public safety, increase awareness of the dangers associated with drinking and driving, and serve as a deterrent to potential impaired and unlicensed drivers. Remember, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over and Report Drunk Drivers – call 911.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration,  reminding everyone to continue to work together to bring an end to these tragedies.  If you see a Drunk Driver – call 9-1-1. Please direct any inquiries to Sergeant Chris Prince at (916) 808-6069 or cprince@pd.cityofsacramento.org. Media is encouraged to attend the checkpoint in an effort to spread awareness about the impacts of drinking and driving.