San Mateo DUI Checkpoint Planned April 12

SAN MATEO, CA — The San Mateo Police Department will conduct a DUI checkpoint next week to watch out for drivers who may be under the influence of illicit substances.

In a news release, police said the checkpoint would be in place starting at 6 p.m. Friday, April 12, and concluding at 2 a.m. somewhere along East 4th Avenue. Officials said sobriety checkpoint locations are chosen based on previous crashes involving impaired drivers in the area and designed to promote public safety.

"Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk, said Craig Collom, a San Mateo traffic sergeant. "Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improves traffic safety."

Police urged drivers to avoid consuming alcohol, marijuana or medications that can interfere with driving to help keep others safe and avoid a costly penalty. The average first-time DUI conviction results in a suspended license and $13,500 in fines and other penalties.

The checkpoints are paid for through annual grants awarded by the state Office of Traffic Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.