
By SDCN Editor
Carlsbad, CA–The Carlsbad Police Department will conduct a driving under the influence (DUI) checkpoint on Friday from approximately 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. at an undisclosed location in the city.
According to Carlsbad police, the checkpoint locations are determined based on data showing incidents of impaired driving-related crashes. The primary purpose of the checkpoints is to promote public safety by taking suspected impaired drivers off the road.
“Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk” Lt. Alonso DeVelasco said. “Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improve traffic safety.”
The Carlsbad Police Department says impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.
Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, and a suspended license.
Funding for the program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.