PALMDALE/ LANCASTER – The Palmdale Sheriff’s Station Traffic Unit will be conducting a DUI Checkpoint on Friday (Feb. 15), at an undisclosed location within the city limits, between the hours of 6 p.m. and 2 a.m.
Deputies from the Lancaster Station Traffic Unit will also be conducting a separate DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint on Friday (Feb. 15) at an undisclosed location in Lancaster, between 6 p.m. and 2 a.m.
During the two DUI checkpoints, officers will be contacting drivers for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment. Officers will also check drivers for proper licensing and will strive to delay motorists only momentarily.
When possible, specially trained officers will be available to evaluate those suspected of drug-impaired driving. Drivers caught driving impaired can expect jail, license suspension, and insurance increases, as well as fines, fees, DUI classes and other expenses that can exceed $10,000.
“Over the course of the past three years, DUI collisions have claimed two lives and resulted in 112 injury crashes harming 167 of our friends and neighbors,” said Sgt. Dave Jennings of the Lancaster Station Traffic Detail.
In the past three years, DUI collisions have claimed six lives and resulted in 89 injury crashes, harming 138 people in the Palmdale Station jurisdiction, according to Palmdale Sheriff’s Station traffic unit Sergeant Mark Johnston.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), checkpoints have provided the most effective documented results of any of the DUI enforcement strategies, while also yielding considerable cost savings of $6 for every $1 spent. Checkpoints are placed in locations that have the greatest opportunity for achieving drunk and drugged driving deterrence and provide the greatest safety for officers and the public.
Funding for this weekend’s checkpoints in Lancaster and Palmdale is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
–
R.W says
If they were serious about drunk driving they’d have a checkpoint on Ave M & 50th West..
Thomas says
Two problems with that location. One is that the grants are obtain by the cities. The other is late night traffic is light there. Unincorperated areas get the short end of the stick.
Gladys says
The only problem I see with the stops being effective is as soon as someone/anyone/certain people know where the check point is, they put the location on twitter or Facebook.