Pittsburg PD To Conduct DUI Checkpoint Aug. 20

PITTSBURG, CA – The Pittsburg Police Department will have additional officers working throughout the city on Aug. 20 to look for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. DUI patrols will be throughout the Pittsburg area from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m.

In addition, police will hold a DUI/driver license checkpoint on Aug. 20 from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Railroad Avenue.

According to the police department, DUI checkpoints and patrols are done in locations with a history of DUI-related collisions and arrests. During the checkpoint, officers will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment, with officers checking drivers for proper licensing.

In 2018, 1,069 people were killed on California roads in crashes involving drivers who had a blood alcohol content over the legal limit (0.08 or above), according to the department. In 2019, Pittsburg police investigated 73 DUI crashes that killed two people and injured 31 others.

Police are reminding the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Prescription or over-the-counter medications with an operating heavy machinery warning on the label can also impair. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.

If you plan on drinking or are taking medications that can affect your ability to drive, please take these precautions to avoid DUI:

• Always use a designated sober driver – a friend who is not drinking, ride-share, cab or public transportation – to get home.
• Walking while impaired is also dangerous. Have someone sober walk you home or stay with you until a sober driver is available to pick you up.
• Report drunk drivers – call 911.
• Hosting a party? Offer nonalcoholic drinks. Monitor who is drinking and how they are getting home.

A DUI charge is not cheap. Drivers charged with DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license and possible jail time.

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