By Gina Yarbrough
Santee, CA–The Santee Sheriff’s Station on Friday will conduct a DUI checkpoint from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. at an undisclosed location in Santee, authorities said.
DUI 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, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department said in a news release.
The Sheriff’s 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.
Anyone who plans to drink or take medication should use a designated sober driver such as a friend who is not drinking, a ride-share, a cab, or public transportation to get home.
According to the Sheriff’s Department, walking home while impaired can be dangerous. Deputies advise walking with another sober person home, or staying with them until a sober driver is available to pick the individual up.
Hosting a party? Offer non-alcoholic drinks. Monitor who is drinking and how they are getting home.
Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.
Get impaired drivers off the road. Call 911.
Funding for the DUI program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
