SACRAMENTO, Calif.(PSN) — The Sacramento Police Department will conduct a driving under the influence checkpoint Friday night at an undisclosed location within the city, according to a department news release issued Thursday.
The checkpoint is scheduled from 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28, through 1 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 29.
Police said checkpoint locations are selected using data identifying areas where impaired-driving crashes have occurred. The department said the primary purpose of the operation is to improve public safety by identifying and removing suspected impaired drivers from the road.
“Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk,” Sgt. Anna Mahoney said in the release. “Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improve traffic safety.”
Police reminded motorists that impairment can involve substances other than alcohol. Certain prescription and over-the-counter medications can interfere with a person’s ability to drive safely. Although medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal in California, driving while impaired by marijuana remains illegal.
According to the department, a driver charged with a first-time DUI faces an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, along with a suspended driver’s license.
The operation is funded through a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Motorists planning to drink or use any substance that could impair their ability to drive should arrange for a sober driver, rideshare or other safe transportation before heading out. Passengers should also avoid getting into a vehicle with a driver they believe may be impaired.
