“All too often, members of our community are senselessly injured or killed on our local roadways by intoxicated or unlicensed drivers,” stated Captain Eric A. Broneer, CHP Antelope Valley Area Commander. The goal is to ensure the safe passage of each and every motorist by targeting roads where there is a high frequency of intoxicated or unlicensed drivers.
The checkpoint will be staffed by uniformed officers from the CHP who are trained in detecting alcohol and drug impaired drivers, and members of the Antelope Valley CHP Senior Volunteer Program. Officers will be equipped with handheld, blood alcohol testing devices, which provide an accurate indication of alcoholic beverage consumption.
Captain Broneer emphasized, “traffic volume permitting, all vehicles will be screened as they pass through the checkpoint. Drivers who have been drinking, or who exhibit signs of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be detained for further evaluation and field testing. Drivers who are determined to be under the influence will be physically arrested and their vehicles towed away. Any suspended or unlicensed driver passing through the checkpoint will be cited and their vehicles may be impounded.”
Impaired Driver Task Force
On Saturday, Aug. 18, the CHP will deploy its Impaired Driver Task Force to look for drivers under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
“The task force will be deployed on the night of Saturday, August 18, 2018, in an attempt to keep the motoring public safe in the Antelope Valley Area during the 80th annual Antelope Valley Fair and Alfalfa Festival,” according to Office Gil Hernandez, Public information Officer for the CHP Antelope Valley Area office.
UPDATED 8/20/18: The Impaired Driver Task Force detail resulted in 20 DUI arrests through the early hours of Sunday, Aug. 19, according to CHP Spokesman Gil Hernandez. More CHP units were deployed on Friday, Aug. 17, and Sunday, Aug. 19, bringing the total to 26 DUI arrests made during the first weekend of the Antelope Valley Fair, Hernandez said.
Sure Fed Up says
How ironic that they pick the opening day of the fair to do their checkpoint! Beware fair goers, I’m sure it will be somewhere close to the Ave H location. Tune in tomorrow for the results…
Alexis says
They should pick the opening day to do deploy (the Impaired Driving Taskforce.) there are thousands of families with their children that attend the fair, and there are always the ones that couldn’t care less about anyone else’s safety.
Boozer says
That is a perfect place for a checkpoint.The AV Fair is one big drunk fest. Booze, booze and more BOOZE! Just like all Lancaster events. Booze, booze, BOOZE! If you are lucky enough to be one of the good old boys or girls you get to drink the hard stuff with Marv and the rest of the Fern Street Mafia. I wonder if Pastor Paul of Lancaster Baptist or Pastor Chris approve? Don’t forget to vote for team Rex! Cheers!