The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department will conduct a driving under the influence/driver’s license checkpoint between 7 p.m. and 3 a.m. on Dec. 13 at an undisclosed location in West Hollywood.
Such checkpoints have been proven to reduce the number of people killed and injured in alcohol- or drug-involved crashes by inducing caution among drivers. Research shows that crashes involving an impaired driver can be reduced by up to 20 percent when well-publicized DUI checkpoints and DUI patrols are conducted routinely.
Deputies will be looking for signs of alcohol or drug impairment, with officers checking drivers for proper licensing. They will delay motorists only briefly. When possible, specially trained officers will be available to evaluate those suspected of drug-impaired driving. Recent statistics reveal that 30 percent of drivers in fatal crashes had one or more drugs in their systems. A study of active drivers showed more tested positive for drugs that may impair driving (14 percent) than did for alcohol (7.3 percent). Of the drugs, marijuana was most prevalent, at 7.4 percent, slightly more than alcohol.
A similar checkpoint in West Hollywood in September resulted in seven arrests. One person was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of marijuana, another was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of marijuana and alcohol. Another driver was arrested for illegal possession of narcotics. One driver was arrested for driving without a license and three were arrested for being unlicensed.
DUI checkpoints are placed in locations that, based on collision statistics and frequency of DUI arrests, afford 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 not proven to directly correlate to reduction of DUI. It does correlate to a police state. This is America. Innocent until proven guilty. The law-biding citizens have protections against checkpoints and being randomly stopped by government and searched it varies by State. Here’s help for we the people from Flex Your Rights: “Remember that your constitutional rights still apply in a roadblock situation. Though police are permitted to stop you briefly, they may not search you or your car unless they have probable cause that you’re under the influence or you agree to the search. As such,… Read more »
I’m guessing this is coming from ether a DUI Attorney or someone who believes it’s OK to drive intoxicated.
It really amazes me how these dummy’s drive right up to the check point when the check points can be seen several blocks in advance. In some instances there is even a sign posted that a “Check Point” is up ahead. Do they really believe their slurred speech and glassy eyes will not be noticed.