DUI Checkpoints Planned Super Bowl Weekend In San Diego County

SAN DIEGO, CA — As fans gear up for Super Bowl Sunday, police are reminding motorists to celebrate responsibly and getting ready for DUI checkpoints scheduled in San Diego County.

The La Mesa Police Department will have additional officers on patrol looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs during Super Bowl weekend.

"Celebrating the big game should never come at the expense of someone's safety," La Mesa Police Chief Ray Sweeney said. "By making a plan to get home safely, you're not just protecting yourself, but also your loved ones and everyone else on the road."

The Escondido Police Department is conducting a DUI checkpoint from 6 p.m. Friday to 1 a.m. Saturday at an undisclosed location in the city of Escondido.

The Chula Vista Police Department is also conducting a DUI checkpoint from 6 p.m. to midnight Saturday at an undisclosed location within the city of Chula Vista.

DUI checkpoint locations are determined based on data showing incidents of impaired driving-related crashes, according to the department. The primary purpose of DUI checkpoints is to promote public safety by taking suspected impaired drivers off the road.

"Traffic safety is a high priority in the city of Escondido," said Kevin Toth, the department's interim chief of police. "Any preventative and deterrent measures which reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improve traffic safety."

Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.

Funding for the checkpoints and program was provided by grants from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.