Crime & Safety
DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint Planned For Friday In Petaluma
"Research shows that crashes involving an impaired driver can be reduced by up to 20 percent when well-publicized DUI checkpoints."
PETALUMA, CA — The Petaluma Police Department Traffic Unit is planning a DUI/driver’s license checkpoint Friday, March 15.
The checkpoint is from 6 p.m. Friday to 2 a.m. Saturday at an undisclosed location within the city limits.
During the checkpoint, officers look for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment and will check drivers for proper licensing, delaying motorists only momentarily, Petaluma police Sgt. Walt Spiller said.
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When possible, specially trained officers will be available to evaluate those suspected of drug-impaired driving, which accounts for a growing number of impaired driving crashes.
There were 780 deaths in California in 2020 because someone failed to designate a sober drive, police said. Nationwide that year, there were 11,654 people killed by an impaired driver, the data showed.
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"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," Spiller said. "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."
Locations for DUI checkpoints are chosen based on collision statistics and frequency of DUI arrests, which afford the greatest opportunity for achieving drunk and drugged driving deterrence. Law enforcement also considers the safety of officers and the public, the sergeant said.
Spiller said the Petaluma Police Department is committed to increasing overall traffic safety and reducing the number of alcohol-related collisions.
"We will continue our efforts to locate and identify impaired drivers," Spiller said. "Drivers caught driving impaired and charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 to $20,000 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license. "
Funding for the checkpoint is from a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
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