Banning Police Announce DUI Checkpoint, Added Crackdowns

BANNING, CA — The Banning Police Department is holding a DUI/driver's license checkpoint this week.

The operation takes place from 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16, to 1 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 17, at an undisclosed location in the city.

"While drunk driving is a significant traffic safety problem, driving while impaired is not just from alcohol. Prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications and cannabis products may also impair," the department said. "If you plan on drinking or taking medications with a driving warning label, let someone who is sober drive. If you see someone who appears to be driving while impaired, call 9-1-1."

The DUI operation is part of the police department's awareness campaign to promote safe "end-of-summer travels."

"We want everyone to enjoy their end of Summer travels, Labor Day holiday, and Stagecoach Days festivities, but it’s imperative to do so responsibly,” Lt. Brandon Smith of Banning Police Department said. "Driving under the influence not only puts your life at risk but also endangers everyone else on the road. Our goal is to reduce preventable crashes and save lives."

In addition to the upcoming DUI checkpoint, Banning police will have additional officers on patrol Aug. 16 through Labor Day, Sept. 2, looking for drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. The additional efforts to prevent impaired driving are part of a national enforcement campaign, "Driver Sober or Get Pulled Over."

Funding for the programs is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The Beaumont Police Department is holding similar crackdowns: Beaumont Police Announce DUI Checkpoint, Citywide Crackdowns