The Glendale Police Dept. Traffic Unit will be conducting a DUI (driving under the influence)/driver’s license checkpoint on April 5 at an undisclosed location within the city limits between the hours of 7 p.m. to 3 a.m.

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% when well-publicized DUI checkpoints and proactive DUI patrols are conducted routinely.

In California, this deadly crime led to 774 deaths in 2011 because someone failed to designate a sober driver. Nationally, the latest data shows nearly 10,000 people were killed by an impaired driver.

“Over the course of the past three years, DUI collisions have claimed zero lives, but have resulted in 61 injury crashes, harming 87 of our friends and neighbors and 1,841 drivers have been arrested for a DUI,” said Sgt. Tweedy.

Recent statistics reveal that 30% of drivers in fatal crashes had one or more drugs in their system. A study of active drivers showed more tested positive for drugs that impair driving (14%) than did for alcohol (7%). Of the drugs, marijuana was most prevalent, at 7.4%, slightly more than alcohol.

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 and other expenses that can exceed $10,000.

Funding for this checkpoint is provided to the Glendale Police Dept. by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

“Report Drunk Drivers! Call 9-1-1.”