Police plan DUI checkpoint Saturday

DOWNEY - Downey police will hold a DUI checkpoint Saturday from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. at an undisclosed location in Downey.Over the past three years, DUI collisions have killed three people and hurt 73 others, Sgt. Dan Murray with the Downey Police Department said. During the same time period, Downey police officers arrested more than 1,000 people for driving under the influence of alcohol. Police officials reminded residents to plan for a designated driver if you're drinking. A DUI arrest costs upwards of $10,000, plus jail time and the loss of driving privileges, authorities said. Statewide, overall traffic deaths declined 23 percent, from 3,995 in 2007 to 3,081 in 2009. DUI deaths dropped 16 percent, from 1,132 in 2007 to 950 in 2009. Total traffic fatalities are at their lowest levels in six decades, when the federal government began compiling figures. The DUI checkpoint is funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety.

********** Published: March 24, 2011 - Volume 9 - Issue 49