Downey Police step up DUI patrols

DOWNEY - The Downey Police Department is conducting a DUI and driver's license checkpoint at an undisclosed location in Downey next Friday, Aug. 31, starting at 8 p.m.The checkpoint is part of an increased DUI enforcement campaign statewide - titled "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" - that began Aug. 17 and ends Sept. 3. "On average there is one alcohol-impaired, driving-related fatality every 51 minutes across America. But this tragic loss of life can be reduced if we get impaired drivers off our roadways," said Police Chief Rick Esteves. "Research has shown that high-visibility enforcement like the 'Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over' campaign reduces alcohol-impaired driving fatalities by as much as 20 percent. By joining this statewide effort, we will make Downey's roadways safer for everyone throughout the Labor Day period." DUI checkpoints will be deployed throughout Los Angeles County this weekend and next. Law enforcement agencies also plan "roving" DUI patrols. "Obviously we want to remind everyone that it is illegal to drive impaired, and we hope the campaign will remind people that if they plan on drinking to never get behind the wheel," Esteves said. "But if someone does choose to drive impaired, we will arrest them. No warnings. No excuses." According to the Downey Police Department, violators will face jail time, loss of their driver licenses or required use of ignition interlocks. Financial hits include attorney fees, court costs, higher insurance rates, lost time at work and the potential loss of a job or job prospects. "When family, friends and co-workers find out, violators can also face tremendous personal embarrassment and humiliation," authorities said. The DUI checkpoint and campaign is funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Motorists should report drunk drivers by calling 911.

********** Published: August 23, 2012 - Volume 11 - Issue 19