ESCONDIDO–The Escondido Police Department released the results of their sobriety enforcement DUI/Driver’s License checkpoint that was conducted on December 15.
The department’s traffic unit conducted the checkpoint at 2nd Avenue and Broadway.
About 1,721 vehicles drove through the checkpoint, 971 vehicles were screened in primary, 46 vehicles were sent to secondary screening (drivers who could not produce a driver’s license, or who were suspected of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs), and three sobriety field tests were conducted. One person was arrested for driving under the influence of a combination of drugs and alcohol.
Drivers whose only offense was being unlicensed to drive were given the opportunity to locate the registered owner of the vehicle to either take or assign possession of the vehicle to a licensed driver. Nine vehicles were released to the owner or a designated driver. During the checkpoint, two vehicles were impounded
Checkpoints are placed in locations that have the greatest opportunity for achieving drunk and drugged driving deterrence and provide the greatest safety for officers and the public.
High Visibility Enforcements, which include DUI/Driver’s License checkpoints, have been shown to lower DUI deaths and injuries. A major component of these checkpoints are the deterrent effects it has on those who might drive alcohol or drug impaired, bringing about more awareness and encouraging everyone to use sober designated drivers. DUI educational material was distributed during the checkpoint.
Drivers are encouraged to download the Designated Driver VIP, or “DDVIP,” free mobile app for Android or iPhone. The DDVIP app helps find nearby bars and restaurants that feature free incentives for the designated sober driver, from free non-alcoholic drinks to free appetizers and more. The feature-packed app even has social media tie-ins and even a tab for the non-DD to call Uber, Lyft or Curb
Studies of California drivers have shown that 30 percent of drivers in fatal crashes had one or more drugs in their systems. A study of active drivers showed more tested positive for drugs that may impair driving (14 percent) than did for alcohol (7.3 percent). Of the drugs, marijuana was most prevalent, at 7.4 percent, slightly more than alcohol.
Drivers caught driving impaired can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to include jail time, fines, fees, DUI classes, license suspension and other expenses that can exceed $10,000 not to mention the embarrassment when friends and family find out.
The Escondido Police Department will be conducting additional DUI/Driver’s License checkpoints on an ongoing basis.
The checkpoint was funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
