This coming Friday, San Jose's streets will see increased police presence as the local department rolls out a DUI checkpoint to catch impaired drivers. In a recent announcement, the San José Police Department confirmed the operation will take place on Friday, from 8 PM to 2 AM. This is part of the department's ongoing efforts to keep the roads safe from the dangers of driving under the influence of intoxicants.
One doesn't need a crystal ball to see the perils of impaired driving, which, according to SJPD Lieutenant Bret Hatzenbuhler, is a preventable crime, rooted in choice. "Impaired driving is preventable," Hatzenbuhler remarked in a statement obtained by the San José Police Department's news release. "It’s a choice. If you’ve been drinking or have taken drugs that impair, make the right choice by finding a sober driver or alternate transportation to take you places." The point is clear: alternatives exist. Use them. Spare the community and your bank account the cost of a DUI.
For those caught in the act, the cost of a first-time DUI offense in San José can soar, averaging about $13,500 in fines and penalties, not to mention the hiccup of having a suspended license. These legal repercussions serve as a stern warning and a reminder to make more responsible choices when deciding to sit behind the wheel. Funding for the checkpoint initiative has been sourced from a grant by the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, as part of a broader commitment to traffic safety.
