The Escondido Police Department is setting up a DUI checkpoint this March 8, from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m., at a location they're keeping under wraps. With the goal of snatching impaired drivers off the streets, the checkpoint will be mounted based on where the data points to the most drunk driving-related accidents happening.

"Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk," Chief of Police Ed Varso pointed out. The Escondido Police aren't just looking out for boozed-up drivers, either. They're reminding everyone that a prescription, or even just over-the-counter meds could mess with your driving skills. And while it's okay to smoke or consume marijuana for fun or relief in California – getting behind the wheel afterwards is a big no-no.

A first-time DUI doesn't come cheap – we're talking an average hit to the wallet of about $13,500 in fines, penalties, and, don’t forget, a suspended license. The cops' DUI dragnet is funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, which in turn gets its cash from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, according to the announcement.