HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010_08_03_NewsreleaseCheckpoint
Bakersfield Police Department PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT: August 2, 2010 Sgt. Melvin Johnson 326-3896 mbjohnso@bakersfieldpd.us Bakersfield Police Checkpoint Seeks
to Save Lives Drunk driving is one of America’s deadliest crimes. In California last year 1,029 people died in crashes involving a driver or motorcycle rider with a blood alcohol concentration
(BAC) of .08 or higher. That is why the Bakersfield Police announced today they will be holding a DUI/Driver’s License checkpoint on Saturday, August 7, 2010, in the greater Bakersfield
area between the hours of 5 pm and 1 am the following morning. “Make no mistake. Our message is simple. No matter what you drive—a passenger car, pickup, sport utility vehicle or motorcycle—if
we catch you driving impaired, we will arrest you. No exceptions. No excuses,” said Sgt. Melvin Johnson. “We will be talking to drivers, making sure they are not impaired, arresting
those who are, and getting the word out that impaired driving and driving without a proper license is not acceptable in Bakersfield. Bakersfield Police advises that by following these
easy steps, a driver can enjoy a safe and festive evening without jeopardizing their life and the lives of the others who may be on the road. Plan a safe way home before the festivities
begin; Before drinking, designate a sober driver and give that person your keys; If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation so
you are sure to get home safely; If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to call 911. Driving impaired is simply not worth the risk. The consequences are serious
and real. Not only do you risk killing yourself or someone else, but the trauma and financial costs of a crash or an arrest for driving while impaired can be significant. Violators face
jail time, the loss of their driver’s license, higher insurance rates, and dozens of other unanticipated expenses. Funding for this checkpoint comes from the California Office of Traffic
Safety through the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. ###