Residents of Chula Vista and those planning a night on the town this coming weekend should know that the Chula Vista Police Department is stepping up its efforts to curb impaired driving. A DUI checkpoint is scheduled on Saturday from 6:00 PM to midnight, although the location remains under wraps, according to the Chula Vista Police Department.
These checkpoints are strategically placed in areas with a history of DUI-related accidents. They serve as a deterrent for those considering driving under the influence. With safety as the guiding principle, CVPD Agent Brian Carter said, "Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk," highlighting the clear danger posed by impaired driving, as per the Chula Vista Police Department.
The Chula Vista Police Department also took this moment to remind the community that alcohol isn't the sole culprit in impaired driving incidents. Legally prescribed medications and over-the-counter drugs can also impair a driver, as can legally obtain marijuana—despite its legality, driving under the influence of it remains illegal.
The penalties are steep for those thinking the risk might be worth taking. A first-time DUI can cost a driver an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties in addition to a suspended license. It's not merely a hit to one's wallet but a significant dent in one's daily life with the loss of driving privileges.
The funding for safety initiatives like the DUI checkpoint comes from the state level, provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic. This grant applies to DUI programs like the one being carried out by the Chula Vista Police Department.
