HomeMy WebLinkAbout13_06_25 DUI Check Point this Weekend
BAKERSFIELD POLICE
DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
Greg Williamson, Chief of Police
Contact: Michaela Beard
Public Information Office
661-326-3803
mbeard@bakersfieldpd.us
For Immediate Release June 25, 2013
DUI/Driver’s License checkpoint Planned this Weekend
The Bakersfield Police Department Traffic Unit will be conducting a DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint
on June 28, 2013, in the greater Bakersfield area.
The deterrent effect of DUI checkpoints is a proven resource in reducing the number of persons killed and
injured in alcohol or drug involved crashes. Research shows that crashes involving alcohol drop by an
average of 20 percent when well-publicized checkpoints are conducted often enough.
Officers will be contacting drivers passing through the checkpoint for signs of alcohol and/or drug
impairment. Officers will also check drivers for proper licensing and will strive to delay motorists only
momentarily. When possible, specially trained officers will be available to evaluate those suspected of
drug-impaired driving. Drivers caught driving impaired can expect jail, license suspension, and insurance
increases, as well as fines, fees, DUI classes and other expenses that can exceed $10,000.
In 2010, over 10,000 people were killed nationally in motor vehicle traffic crashes that involved at least
one driver or motorcycle rider with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or higher. In
California, this deadly crime led to 791 deaths because someone failed to designate a sober driver. “Over
the course of the past three years, DUI collisions have claimed 25 lives and resulted in 308 injury crashes
harming 373 of our friends and neighbors,” said Sgt. O’Nesky.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), checkpoints have provided
the most effective documented results of any of the DUI enforcement strategies, while also yielding
considerable cost savings of $6 for every $1 spent. Based on collision statistics and frequency of DUI
arrests, DUI Checkpoints are placed in locations that have the greatest opportunity for achieving drunk
and drugged driving deterrence. Locations are chosen with safety considerations for the officers and the
public.
“DUI Checkpoints have been an essential part of the phenomenal reduction in DUI deaths that we
witnessed since 2006 in California,” said Christopher J. Murphy, Director of the Office of Traffic
Safety. “But since the tragedy of DUI accounts for nearly one third of traffic fatalities, Bakersfield needs
the high visibility enforcement and public awareness that checkpoints provide.”
Funding for this checkpoint is provided to The Bakersfield Police Department by a grant from the
California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration,
reminding everyone to continue to work together to bring an end to these tragedies. If you see a Drunk
Driver – Call 9-1-1.