SF Police Schedule DUI Checkpoint For Saturday

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — A DUI checkpoint is scheduled for Saturday in San Francisco to deter drunk and impaired drivers, police said.

It's unclear exactly where the checkpoint will take place. But police say it'll be enforced from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m.

"The winter season can be dangerous for people on the road, the goal of the campaign is to stop suspected impaired drivers who put others at risk," the San Francisco Police Department said in a statement earlier this month. "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 department added that aside from drunk drivers, officers will be looking for anyone who may be operating their vehicle while under the influence of marijuana, prescription medication and over-the-counter drugs.

The SFPD claims recent statistics show drivers found to be driving under the influence were two times more likely to operate a vehicle on drugs rather than alcohol. Marijuana was the most prevalent drug used, according to the SFPD.

During a recent DUI checkpoint in December, SFPD arrested one driver on suspicion of driving under the influence and cited 13 others.

According to the SFPD, drivers convicted of operating a vehicle while under the influence may face thousands of dollars worth of fines and penalties, in addition to having their license suspended.

The funding for the SFPD to hold these checkpoints comes from a grant provided by the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, according to authorities.