The Fairfield Police Department Traffic Unit has announced an upcoming DUI and Driver's License Checkpoint, to operate on Saturday, October 28, at East Tabor and Dover from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. This checkpoint aims to enhance road safety, deterring impaired driving by catching those intoxicated by alcohol or drugs, per the Fairfield Police Department.
DUI checkpoints, such as Fairfield's, are strategically established based on collision statistics and DUI arrest frequencies. This careful placement optimizes the efficacy of the checkpoints and assures the safety of both officers and the public. Alongside DUI Saturation Patrols, these highly visible checkpoints have contributed to approximately a 20 percent reduction in alcohol or drug-impaired collisions.
However, California is experiencing a rise, in drug-impaired driving incidents. In response to this, the Office of Traffic Safety has launched the "DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze" campaign to raise drivers' awareness. The campaign underlines that certain prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and marijuana can affect a driver’s ability to safely drive, and even small amounts of alcohol can intensify these substances' impairing effects.
In 2020, Fairfield PD officers responded to 52 DUI collisions, tragically resulting in 2 deaths and injuring 69 people. The Fairfield Police Department, to combat this preventable danger on the roads, decided to collaborate with the Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
During the checkpoint on October 28, the officers will primarily search for evidence of alcohol and/or drug impairment and verify that drivers have the proper licensing. Traffic interruptions experienced by motorists should be brief. Specialized officers will be in place to evaluate drug-impaired driving cases, which are now contributing to a growing number of impaired driving collisions.
If found guilty of driving under the influence, individuals can face substantial penalties including jail time, fines, fees, DUI classes, license suspensions, and other costs that may exceed $10,000. The Fairfield Police Department, therefore, recommends making responsible choices, planning ahead by designating a driver or arranging alternate transportation, and ensuring to call 911 to report any suspected instances of impaired driving.
This initiative, by the Fairfield Police Department, was funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
