DUI Checkpoint Scheduled Friday In San Diego's East County

EL CAJON, CA — A DUI checkpoint is scheduled Friday night in San Diego's East County.

The checkpoint is set from 8 p.m. Friday to 2 a.m. Saturday in the 1400 block of East Washington Avenue in El Cajon, according to the El Cajon Police Department. During the checkpoint, officers will look for signs that drivers are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Checkpoint locations are chosen based on a history of DUI crashes and arrests, according to the department. The primary purpose of DUI checkpoints is to promote public safety by deterring drivers from driving impaired.

"The safety of our community is and always will be our mission," Sgt. M. Murphy said. "We are still out there looking for impaired drivers because driving under the influence is still dangerous."

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

Funding for the checkpoint was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.