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LOS ANGELES, CA — Between now and New Year’s Day, the LAPD will deploy additional officers for saturation patrols and DUI checkpoints aimed at getting intoxicated drivers off the road.
Checkpoints are slated across the city including in Hollywood, the San Fernando Valley, the Westside and South LA.
The Department joins the California Highway Patrol and several other police departments planning checkpoints around the county over the holidays.
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The high-visibility enforcement effort is part of the national campaign, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.
“Impaired driving isn’t just dangerous, it’s illegal. Let’s make this a joyful and safe holiday season for everyone on the road,” said Commander Craig Valenzuela, Commanding Officer, Traffic Group. “This enforcement period allows us to get the message out that it is essential to act responsibly and plan a sober ride home.”
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Impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Marijuana, prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs may also impair, according to the LAPD.
“The DUI checkpoint locations are determined based on data showing incidents of impaired
driving-related crashes and arrests. The primary purpose of DUI checkpoints is to promote public
safety by educating drivers on the perils of DUI and by taking suspected impaired drivers off the
road,” the LAPD announced. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.”
The holiday season can be a dangerous time for people on the roads. In December 2021 alone, 1,013
people were killed in the United States in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well
as a suspended license, according to the LAPD.
This week’s DUI checkpoints will be:
Wednesday, December 20
Thursday, December 21
Friday, December 22
Saturday, December 23
Thursday, December 28
Friday, December 29
Monday, January 1
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