The Newark Police Department is gearing up to curb impaired driving ahead of the holiday season, with a DUI and driver's license checkpoint set for December 16 in the City of Newark. The move comes as law enforcement agencies across the nation ramp up efforts to keep roads safe during a time notorious for increased instances of driving under the influence.

Locations for these checkpoints are strategically chosen based on areas that have a history of DUI-related accidents. The Newark Police Department is targeting these zones in hopes of deterring would-be offenders from getting behind the wheel after drinking. "Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk," said Sergeant Gus Arroyo in a statement obtained by Newark Police Department.

Authorities are also taking this opportunity to educate the public on the dangers of driving not just under the influence of alcohol but also drugs, both legal and illegal. The Newark Police warn against operating a vehicle after consuming certain prescription and over-the-counter medications that may impair driving abilities. They remind us that even though medicinal and recreational marijuana use might be legal, driving while high is not.

The risks of DUI are not only a danger to public safety, but they also come with a heavy financial toll. Drivers nabbed for a first-time DUI could face up to $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license. The enforcement and educational efforts are supported financially by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, under the federal umbrella of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Newark’s local police are determined to decrease incidents of DUI, reassuring the community of their vigilance and continued commitment to the safety of all motorists on the road. For more details on the upcoming traffic safety initiative, visit the Newark Police advisory.