By SDCN Editor
Escondido, CA–The Escondido Police Department will hold a DUI checkpoint at 6 p.m. on March 2 at an undisclosed location in the city, authorities said.
At the checkpoint, officers will look for signs of drivers who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The locations are chosen based on a history of DUI crashes and arrests. The primary purpose of checkpoints is not to make arrests, but to promote public safety by deterring drivers from driving impaired, Escondido police said in a release.
“Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk,” said Escondido Police Chief Ed Varso. “Any prevention and education measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improves traffic safety.”
The Escondido Police Department says impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. The public should follow directions for use and read warning labels about driving or “operating heavy machinery,” which includes driving a car. While medicinal and recreational marijuana is legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.
Anyone who plans on drinking or taking medications that may impact their ability to drive safely should stay home.
Drivers charged with DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.
Funding for the DUI program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
