San Marcos, CA–The San Diego Sheriff’s Department will be conducting a DUI and driver’s license checkpoint on May 28 at an undisclosed location within the San Marcos city limits.
The checkpoint will operate between the hours of 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., according to the Sheriff’s Department.
Checkpoints are placed in locations based on collision statistics and frequency of DUI arrests. Deputies will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment, while also checking drivers for proper licensing.
The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department warns drivers that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” If an individual takes prescription drugs, particularly those with a driving or operating machinery warning on the label, they might be impaired enough to get a DUI. Marijuana can also be impairing, especially in combination with alcohol or other drugs, and can result in a DUI.
In 2018, 1,069 people were killed on California roads in crashes involving drivers who had a blood alcohol content over the legal limit (.08 or above). The city of San Marcos has a high number of alcohol-related traffic incidents. During the past three years, over 291 drivers have been arrested for DUI in San Marcos. During that time, approximately 132 DUI collisions have occurred in San Marcos.
The Sheriff’s Department offers these reminders to ensure drivers have a safe night of fun that doesn’t involve a DUI:
– Always use a designated sober driver – a friend who is not drinking, ride-share, cab or public transportation – to get home.
– See Someone who is clearly impaired try and drive? Take the keys and help them make other arrangements to find a sober way home.
– Report drunk drivers – Call 911.
– Hosting a party? Offer non-alcoholic drinks. Monitor who is drinking and how they are getting home.
Drivers caught driving impaired and charged with DUI can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to be upwards of $13,500. This includes fines, fees, DUI classes, driver’s license suspension and other expenses, not to mention possible jail time.
Funding for the checkpoint is provided to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
