By Gina Yarbrough
Carlsbad, CA–The Carlsbad Police Department, in partnership with the California Highway Patrol, will conduct a DUI checkpoint in Carlsbad this Friday, according to authorities.
The checkpoint will operate between 6 p.m. and 2 a.m. at an undisclosed location within the city.
The location is based on data that highlights areas with higher incidence of impaired driving-related crashes. The primary goal of these checkpoints is to enhance public safety by removing drivers suspected of being under the influence from the roads, the Carlsbad Police Department stated in a news release.
“Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk,” said Sergeant Travis Anderson of the Carlsbad Police Department. “Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improve traffic safety.”
Carlsbad Police reminds the public that impaired driving is not limited to alcohol. Prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs can impair a driver’s ability. While both medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal in California, driving under the influence of marijuana remains illegal.
First-time DUI offenders in California can face severe penalties, including an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties and a suspended license.
The DUI checkpoint is funded through a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
