DUI Checkpoint In Berkeley Friday Night

BERKELEY, CA — Friday is St. Patrick's Day and the Berkeley Police Department knows that revelers will be out in force. So will officers — looking for drunk drivers.

A Driving Under the Influence or DUI Checkpoint will be held Friday night from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Officers will also be checking for valid driver's licenses.

"This year, St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Friday, and that means more parties throughout the weekend," said Sgt Andrew Frankel, Berkeley Traffic Bureau. "If you’ve been drinking, make the smart choice to plan for a sober driver to get you and your friends home safely. Before you put your keys in the ignition, remind yourself: Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving."

St. Patrick’s Day is one of the deadliest times on our nation’s roads. During the 2016-2020 St. Patrick’s Day holiday period 287 lives were lost in drunk-driving crashes.

Drivers should also watch for pedestrians who have had too much to drink. Walking while intoxicated can also be deadly; lack of attention to surroundings could put pedestrians at risk of getting hit by a vehicle.

"We encourage our community members to enjoy themselves but the night should start with a plan which will get them home safely at the end of the evening," said Lt. Jen Tate, Berkeley Traffic Bureau. "Nothing is more heartbreaking than watching a holiday become an anniversary of a tragic night."

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Berkeley P.D. Tips

Before ever heading out, it’s vital to plan ahead. Be honest with yourself: You know whether you’ll be drinking or not. Follow these ideas to ensure you and your fellow partygoers stay safe.

• Plan ahead: If you wait until you’ve been drinking to make a smart decision, you might not. Before you have one drink, designate a sober driver who won’t be drinking.
• You have options: designate a sober driver, call a taxi, or use a rideshare service. Getting home safely is always worth it.
• If it’s your turn to be the designated driver, take your job seriously and don’t drink.
• If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact the Berkeley Police Dispatch at (510) 981-5900.
• Do you have a friend who is about to drink and drive? Take the keys away and let a sober driver get your friend home safely.