LOS ANGELES—In an effort to decrease the mortality rate from drunk or drugged driving, Los Angeles Police Department officials have arranged for DUI checkpoints and DUI saturation patrols to halt and arrest impaired drivers during the Cinco de Mayo weekend.
The implementation of DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols has reportedly been proven to decrease the number injuries and deaths from alcohol and drug-related vehicle collisions by up to 20 percent.
Over 270 people were killed nationally from impaired driving collisions between 2011 and 2015 during the Cinco de Mayo holiday period. In 2014, failure to locate a sober driver led to 1,155 deaths and approximately 24,000 injuries in California. For the past 3 years, the LAPD has inquired into more than 74,000 collisions in connection with DUIs. Fifty-four people were killed and 233 suffered serious injuries as a result of DUI crashes.
Those who take prescription drugs, specifically ones with a driving or operating machinery warning, may be subject to a DUI. Marijuana can cause impairment, especially when combined with other drugs or alcohol.
Police officers will be looking for signs of drug and/or alcohol impairment. Specially-trained authorities will evaluate drivers suspected to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, which the LAPD said constitutes a heightened number of impaired driving crashes.
The LAPD released the following schedule of enforcement activities in a press release:
- Thursday, May 4:
DUI/Driver License Checkpoint at Olympic Boulevard at Grand Avenue from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.
DUI Saturation Patrol in Central Area from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.
DUI Saturation Patrol in Pacific Area from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. - Friday, May 5:
DUI/Driver License Checkpoint at Manchester Avenue and Main Street from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.
DUI/Driver License Checkpoint at Sunset Boulevard and Orange Grove Avenue from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.
DUI Saturation Patrol in Central Bureau from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. - Saturday, May 6:
DUI/Driver License Checkpoint at Sherman Way and Independence Avenue from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.
DUI/Driver License Checkpoint at Roscoe Boulevard and Gloria Avenue from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. - Sunday, May 7:
DUI Saturation Patrol in Mission Area from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Drivers are advised to download Designated Driver VIP (DDVIP), a free mobile app for Android and iPhone which locates nearby bars and restaurants that provide free motives, such as free non alcoholic beverages and appetizers, as incentives for designated sober drivers.
