DUI Checkpoint Set For Saturday By Menlo Park Police

MENLO PARK, CA -- Just in time for St. Patrick's Day, the police department will be conducting a DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint at an undisclosed location within the city limits between 7 p.m. and 3 a.m. from Saturday night into Sunday morning.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI) checkpoints like this one are placed in locations based on crash statistics and frequency of DUI arrests. Officers will be looking for signs of alcohol or drug impairment and checking drivers for proper licensing.

The department reminds drivers that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” Taking prescription drugs, particularly those with a driving or operating machinery warning on the label, may impair a driver enough to get a DUI. Marijuana can also be impairing, especially in combination with alcohol or other drugs, and can result in a DUI.

In 2017, 1,120 people were killed in alcohol-involved crashes on California roads. Last year, Menlo Park Police Department investigated 14 DUI collisions, which resulted in four major injuries.
The police department offers these reminders to ensure a safe night of fun that doesn’t involve a DUI:

• Always use a designated sober driver – a friend who is not drinking, ride-share, cab or public transportation – to get home.
• See someone who is clearly impaired try and drive? Take the keys and help them make other arrangements to find a sober way home.
• Report drunk drivers – call 911.
• Hosting a party? Offer nonalcoholic drinks. Monitor who is drinking and how they are getting home.

Drivers caught driving impaired and charged with a DUI can expect the impact of the arrest to be up to $13,500. This includes fines, fees, DUI classes, license suspension and other expenses - not to mention possible jail time.

Funding for this checkpoint is provided to Menlo Park Police by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.