Multiple DUI Checkpoints Scheduled for Saturday

If you’re going to celebrate New Year’s Eve early this year, the Redwood City Police Department is reminding everyone to do it safely. On Saturday, Dec. 29, between 6 p.m and 2 a.m., officers will conduct multiple DUI checkpoints throughout the city.

The checkpoint will be mobile and operate for several hours at each location.

“Over the course of the past three years, DUI collisions in Redwood City resulted in 51 injury crashes harming 76 of our friends and neighbors,” said Sgt. Ashley Osborne. 

Research shows that crashes involving alcohol drop by an average of 20 percent when well-publicized checkpoints are conducted often enough, according to police.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), checkpoints have provided the most effective documented results of any of the DUI enforcement strategies, while also yielding considerable cost savings of $6 for every $1 spent.

“DUI Checkpoints have been an essential part of the phenomenal reduction in DUI deaths that we witnessed since 2006 in California,” said Christopher J. Murphy, Director of the Office of Traffic Safety. “But since the tragedy of DUI accounts for nearly one third of traffic fatalities, Redwood City needs the high visibility enforcement and public awareness that checkpoints provide.” 

Officers will be contacting drivers passing through the checkpoint for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment and will strive to delay motorists only momentarily. When possible, specially trained officers will be available to evaluate those suspected of drug-impaired driving.

DUI checkpoints are placed in locations that have the greatest opportunity for achieving drunk and drugged driving deterrence based on collision statistics and frequency of DUI arrests. Locations are chosen with safety considerations for the officers and the public. 

Drivers caught driving impaired can expect jail, license suspension, and insurance increases, as well as fines, fees, DUI classes, other expenses that can exceed $10,000. 

And remember: If you see a Drunk Driver – Call 9-1-1. 

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