WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Saturday, November 14, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department conducted a DUI and driver’s license checkpoint at the corner of San Vicente Boulevard and Beverly Boulevard between the hours of 7 p.m. and 4 p.m. in West Hollywood.
According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s department, the location is an ideal location for holding DUI checkpoints as a means to catch reckless drivers and those under the influence of alcohol while driving.
The checkpoints are proven to be the most effective method for preventing accidents and deaths, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and are put into place to lower deaths and injuries, and to encourage sobriety. The results of Saturday’s checkpoint were 1,601 screened, 1 DUI suspect arrested, 1 illegal possession of narcotics arrest and 2 vehicles that were confiscated for one day.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department informed Canyon News about the number of checkpoints issued each year. The checkpoints that occur in West Hollywood and the surrounding areas are provided by grants funded by the California Office of Traffic Safety to the designated contracted cities. These checkpoints are conducted each year and each grant, lasts for a 12-month period.
Authorities urge drivers to use safety measures when driving and if caught behind the wheel under the influence, punishment such as jail time, fines, fees, DUI classes and other offenses costing up to $10,000 will occur.
Other DUI preventative measures have taken place as to encourage drivers to drive safely and to not drink behind the wheel. The California Office of Traffic Safety DDVIP (Designated Driver VIP) has launched an app this year, now available for free on iOS and Android smartphones, which users are able to “map a spot” as a way to locate all DDVIP supported establishments, such as local bars and restaurants. Sober drivers are then able to redeem exclusive offers at such marked establishments.
According to Ots.gov, there were 374 vehicular deaths and injuries in the year 2012, with 199 arrests made. Eighty-four of those accidents were alcohol related. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, traffic fatalities have increased 1.2 percent from 2012 to 2013.
The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department urges the general public to keep safety in mind by arranging rides home for friends, family, co-workers and themselves before drinking begins, identifying and providing free non-alcoholic beverages or other promotional items to the Designated Driver, by limiting the number of drinks given to guests and patrons and by cutting back on the amount of drinks brought to parties.
