Sentinel staff report–
The Citrus Heights Police Department announced on social media this week that officers plan to conduct a DUI and Driver’s License Checkpoint at an undisclosed location on Thursday, March 12 beginning at 8 p.m. and continuing into Friday, March 13 until 2 a.m.
DUI checkpoint locations are determined after analyzing data showing incidents of impaired driving-related crashes, according to police. The purpose of DUI checkpoints is to “promote public safety by taking suspected impaired drivers off the road.”
Past checkpoint operations typically include officers briefly stopping vehicles to look for signs of alcohol and drug impairment, as well as checking drivers for valid licensing.
Police also advise that drugs can also impair driving, including many prescription drugs and even some over-the-counter medications. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal, police warned.
The Citrus Heights Police Department says it announces DUI operations in advance as a public awareness tool to help deter drunk drivers from getting behind the wheel in the first place. The department also regularly deploys “DUI Saturation Patrols,” which specifically search for and pull over drivers showing signs of intoxication.
Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties and a suspended license, according to police.
The upcoming DUI checkpoint is funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
