San Mateo Police To Hold DUI Checkpoint Friday

SAN MATEO, CA — Police in San Mateo announced plans to set up a DUI Checkpoint on Friday evening.

Authorities will be looking for impaired drivers from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. in the area of W. Hillsdale Blvd and Saratoga Dr.

Checkpoint locations are typically chosen based on a history of DUI crashes, the San Mateo Police Department said in an announcement.

On Friday evening, officers will be on the lookout for signs that drivers are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

“The safety of our community is and always will be our mission,” Sergeant Craig Collom said. “We are constantly looking for impaired drivers because driving under the influence is very dangerous.”

San Mateo Police urge the public to think twice before hopping in the car after drinking alcohol or ingesting illegal drugs, some prescription or over the counter drugs that may interfere with driving.

In San Mateo, drivers charged with DUI charges typically face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.

The department has partnered with MADD — Mothers Against Drunk Driving — for the holiday holiday season. Police have also partnered with Tie One On For Safety.

“The time period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day are some of the deadliest days on our state’s roadways,” according to MADD.

Beginning this week, patrol cars in San Mateo will have red ribbon magnets affixed to the back of them, to remind motorists to “Designate a Driver.”

"Every 48 minutes someone is killed in a drunk driving crash, and every 2 minutes, someone is injured. Unimpaired drivers or public transportation should always be utilized and are 'the safest choice' as impaired driving is 100 percent preventable," officials of the department said in a statement.