DUI Checkpoint Planned Saturday In Petaluma

PETALUMA, CA — The Petaluma Police Department's traffic unit will staff a DUI and driver's license checkpoint Saturday evening at an undisclosed location in the city, officials announced Thursday. The checkpoint will begin at 6 p.m. and run until 2 a.m.

Officers will screen drivers for signs of alcohol or drug impairment, and specially-trained members will evaluate drivers suspected of being under the influence. According to police, nearly one third of traffic deaths in California are the result of impaired driving.

"The deterrent effect of DUI checkpoints is a proven resource in reducing the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol or drug involved crashes," the department said in a news release. "Research shows that crashes involving an impaired driver can be reduced by up to 20 percent when well-publicized DUI checkpoints and proactive DUI patrols are conducted routinely."

The location of each checkpoint is chosen based on areas with higher levels of DUI crashes and arrests. Drivers can expect to pay between $13,500 and $20,000 in finaes and penalties resulting from a first-time DUI, in addition to having their license suspended.