12/18/2014
Remember to stay safe and act responsibly this Holiday Season....
DUI Checkpoint
The Huntington Beach Police Department Traffic Unit will be conducting a DUI/Drivers License Checkpoint this Friday night, December 19th, 2014, between the hours of 7:00 PM and 3:00 AM.
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 an impaired driver can be reduced by up to 20 percent when well-publicized DUI checkpoints and proactive DUI patrols are conducted routinely.
In California, this deadly crime led to 802 deaths in 2012 because someone failed to designate a sober driver. Nationally, the latest data shows nearly 10,000 were killed by an impaired driver. A recent analysis of DUI arrests in Huntington Beach provided some insight as to how and where these DUI drivers are apprehended. About 40% of DUI drivers are identified and arrested as a result of a traffic collision. These could be a hit and run collision where the driver and vehicle are located quickly or where the offender remains at the scene. Second to collisions, are the observations of officers in the field. Nearly 36% of arrests come from officers contacting the DUI driver after seeing some suspicious driving cue. This proactive approach results in a significant amount of impaired drivers being stopped before a collision occurs. The final portion of DUI drivers are reported to 911 dispatchers by citizens. Citizen callers often see poor driving and direct officers to the violator. These citizen initiated calls account for 22% of DUI related arrests. In general, the Huntington Beach Police Department relies heavily on the citizens in the city to observe and report criminal activity. Motorists are often the first to spot something unusual while driving and should not hesitate to call 911 to report a suspected DUI driver. In these cases, it is legally allowed to use your cellular phone while driving. Together, we can work to reduce collisions before they happen and arrest these DUI drivers before they crash and cause injuries. Be aware, be proactive, and be involved! Checkpoints are one form of education and enforcement which the HBPD uses to work towards our goal of ZERO alcohol involved collisions.
Officers will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment with officers checking drivers for proper licensing delaying motorists only momentarily. 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, ma*****na was most prevalent, at 7.4 percent, slightly more than alcohol.
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. Nearly 90 percent of California drivers approve of DUI checkpoints.
DUI Checkpoints are placed in locations based on collision statistics and frequency of DUI arrests affording the greatest opportunity for achieving drunk and drugged driving deterrence. Locations are chosen with safety considerations for the officers and the public.
Drivers caught driving impaired can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to include jail time, fines, fees, DUI classes, other expenses that can exceed $10,000 not to mention the embarrassment when friends and family find out.
Funding for this checkpoint is provided to the Huntington Beach Police Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, reminding everyone to
‘Report Drunk Drivers –Call 9-1-1’.
