Police Launch Anti-DUI Campaign

The will join nearly 10,000 law-enforcement agencies across the country in an "intensive crackdown" on impaired driving from Friday until Sept. 5.

The department has also scheduled a checkpoint to catch those driving under the influence or without licenses for Saturday at 7:30 p.m., according to a news release from traffic Investigator Jeffrey Mendence. Though the checkpoint will be held within city limits, police did not disclose an exact location.

"Our message is simple and unwavering: if we find you driving impaired, we will arrest you. No exceptions," said Chief Joe Leonardi. "Many people chance driving home because they have done it previously without consequences. It is only a matter of time before we arrest you, or you are involved in a life-changing collision."

As part of the program, known as "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over," people convicted of driving under the influence will face jail time, lose their driver's licenses or be required to use ignition interlocks, according to a news release from traffic Investigator Jeffrey Mendence. Those convicted will probably also see their insurance rates increase; they must pay attorney fees, court costs, lost time at work and job loss; and they may "face tremendous personal embarrassment and humiliation" from family, friends and coworkers, Mendence said.

The Los Angeles County Avoid the 100 Task Force will also deploy DUI and driver's license checkpoints and extra patrols during the 18-day campaign.

According to the Redondo Beach Police Department, 10,839 people died in alcohol-related crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

"When you drive under the influence of intoxicants, you show a careless disregard for yourself, your family and friends and for the innocent, law-abiding people that share the road with you," Leonardi said. "We are committed to reduce these incidents through increased enforcement."

Leonardi said that twice as many alcohol-related accidents occur over the weekend and four times as many occur at night.

The national "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" crackdown is led by NHTSA and the California Avoid DUI Task Force Campaign.