MALIBU—On Friday, June 22, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Traffic Services Detail and the Malibu Lost Hills Station conducted a DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint. The checkpoint was located at Pacific Coast Highway and Webb Way between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m.

According to the Sheriff’s Department, of the 931 people in vehicles screened: 1 person was arrested on criminal charges, 10 others were arrested for operating a vehicle unlicensed or while suspended or revoked, and 14 citations were issued.

The checkpoint is a result of The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department’s support of the California Office of Traffic and Safety’s new enforcement, “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” The effort was enacted in December 2016, and aims to confront DUI’s that do not just involve alcohol intoxication. The goal is address the use of marijuana and prescription drugs amongst drivers.

According to the National Institute of Health, over the past 10-15 years, more people in the U.S. take prescription and over the counter medications that impair driving. Some of these include: sleep aids, muscle relaxants, anti-depressants, allergy medications, sedatives, anti-anxiety medication, stimulants, and medical or recreational marijuana.

The California Office of Traffic Safety Reports states:

“In 2015, 43 percent of all drivers killed in vehicle crashes who were tested, tested positive for legal and/or illegal drugs. In California, 19 percent of all drivers killed in motor vehicle crashes who were tested, tested positive for legal and/or illegal drugs.”

Those caught driving under the influence may face jail time, fines, fees, DUI classes, license suspension and other expenses that could exceed $10,000. The Los Angeles Sheriff’s department will be conducting more DUI checkpoints in the future in their attempts to lower deaths and injuries due to impaired drivers.

The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department offers the following tips for avoiding impaired driving:

-Arrange rides home for your friends, family, co-workers and yourself before the drinking begins.

-Identify and provide free non-alcoholic drinks or other promotional items to the Designated Driver.

-Party hosts and servers must limit drinks to your guests or patrons. Don’t serve more than one or two over several hours.

-Cut back on the amount of drinks you plan to bring to the party – and provide plenty of food.

For more details visit: http://www.lasd.org.