The Antelope Valley Times

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DUI checkpoints planned in Palmdale, Lancaster

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DUI checkpoints will be conducted in Palmdale and Lancaster this week.

On Thursday, Dec. 18, at an undisclosed location in Palmdale, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Palmdale Station will conduct a DUI/driver’s license checkpoint, between the hours of 5 p.m. and 1 a.m.

On Saturday, Dec. 20, at an undisclosed location in Lancaster, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Lancaster Station will conduct a DUI/driver’s license checkpoint, between the hours of 6 p.m. and 2 a.m.

At both checkpoints, officers will be contacting drivers and checking for signs of alcohol or drug impairment.  Officers will also check 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.  Recent statistics reveal that 30 percent of drivers in fatal crashes had one or more drugs in their systems. A study of active drivers showed more tested positive for drugs that may impair driving (14 percent) than did for alcohol (7.3 percent). Of the drugs, marijuana was most prevalent, at 7.4 percent, slightly more than alcohol.

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.

Research shows that crashes involving an impaired driver can be reduced by up to 20 percent when well-publicized DUI checkpoints and proactive DUI patrols are conducted routinely.

DUI Checkpoints are placed in locations that have the greatest opportunity for achieving drunk and drugged driving deterrence.  Locations are chosen with safety considerations for the officers and the public.

Funding for these operations is provided to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety.

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Filed Under: Crime/ Safety

10 comments for "DUI checkpoints planned in Palmdale, Lancaster"

  2. DUI/rivers license checkpoints are the easiest law to follow… if you have a drink even one drink or under drug use don’t drive. There are several other options to get where you are trying to get to. SIMPLE People! Second if you don’t have a drivers license don’t drive…the same as if you have a drink there are other options. Chances are if you don’t have a license then there may be a slim chance you don’t have auto insurance. In both cases if you are involved in an accident you want be covered and then off to court to get sued. Really if it that necessary to jeopardize your or someone’s life. REALLY IS THAT DRINK OR DRIVE THAT IMPORTANT!!!! I’M SURE EVERYONE WANT’S TO ARRIVE HOME SAFE AND SOUND.

  3. Last time they did this they didn’t catch one drunk driver, but on the previous Friday when they weren’t looking for drunks, they caught 6 of them. Obviously if they want to get drunk drivers off the road they need to stop looking for them as that is far more successful.

  4. There are people out the who obvioulsy dont care about their safety but im glad the cops are out there checking for drunk drivers…BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY! :)

  5. You’ll catch yourself a DUI and you won’t even be nearly too buzzed to drive. Nothing but a scam based on skewed statsistics and emotionalism.

  6. It’s time to stop this waste of time and money. The only ones who benefit are the ones who sell confiscated vehicles and the officers who receive additional pay. This is an assault on the poor and undocumented members of our community. DUI plays no role in this sham except as a straw man providing legal rationale to fund this predatory practice. And in case you haven’t figured out my opinion of DUI checkpoints. I’m against them.

    • Ya, you’re completely right! For something like this to be happening to those who don’t give a [removed] and are here illegally is just absurd! We shouldn’t try to prevent those who want to drink and drive or drive without a license! Instead we should be issuing out licenses and money to those in need at these checkpoints!! Even provide a brue for the road for our troubles. And in case you haven’t figured it out by now. Have you realized you’re [removed]?
      The AV is turning into a major [removed] hole! You and the rest of them who dont like it need to go somewhere else and restore OUR! community that YOU are apparently are not a part of!

      • You’re wrong! I’m for better education for our young people. I’m for expanding services at AVC. I’m for improving healthcare in the AV. I’m for bringing more professional jobs into the AV. I’ve paid over $1 million in taxes as a business owner. I’ve donated $ to benefit this community. I’m for positive actions and positive change. It’s difficult to be poor or disenfranchised. I don’t like policies that pick on those most vulnerable in our society. Of course I’m against drunk driving. But DUI checkpoints as shown in the often shared statistics don’t do that. I’d rather see checkpoints that do “pass out food.” It’s a good thing. You should consider it. It’s good for your soul and for the bodies of people that don’t have it as good as you. Merry Christmas :).