In an effort to combat the alarming rise of impaired driving incidents, the San Mateo Police Department announces a driving under the influence (DUI) checkpoint to be held on Friday, September 1, from 6:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. at South Norfolk Street and Shoreview Avenue. According to a recently published announcement, this location was selected based on data that indicate a higher number of impaired driving-related crashes.
SMPD Holding DUI Checkpoint on Friday, Sept 1st from 6pm to 2am at S. Norfolk St./Shoreview Ave. Don't Drink and/or Drug and Drive! 🚫🍻💊💉🚗https://t.co/Hh2u3IBmHC pic.twitter.com/ZCW25MqaEZ
— San Mateo PD (@SanMateoPD) August 29, 2023
With over 10,000 national fatalities related to drunk drivers per year, preventive measures are of significant importance. As Sergeant Craig Collom observed, "Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk. Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improve traffic safety.”
It's essential for the public to understand that driving impairment isn't limited to alcohol consumption; it also includes prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and even marijuana – both medicinal and recreational. Although marijuana is legal for both medicinal and recreational uses, driving under its influence remains illegal. To this end, the San Mateo Police Department urges residents to be aware of potential impairments and to adhere to the law.
First-time DUI offenders could face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, along with a suspended license. Given the severe consequences, it's evident that increased awareness and adherence to driving regulation are not only beneficial to individual drivers, but also integral to the well-being of the entire community.
The foreseeable impact of the DUI checkpoint is a decrease in impaired driving incidents and an overall improvement in road safety. In addition to providing a visible law enforcement presence, this initiative is also supported by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, awarded through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
