DUI Checkpoint At Undisclosed Southwest Riverside Spot Planned

TEMECULA, CA -- A DUI and driver's license checkpoint will be held in Southwest Riverside this weekend but authorities won't reveal the location. Temecula police said the checkpoint will be held from 7:30 p.m. Friday to 12:30 a.m. Saturday within city limits.

The checkpoint is in response to a " a disturbing increase in drug-impaired driving crashes" in California. Checkpoints and saturation patrols have been proven to lower the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol or drug impaired crashes, police said.

Police said the location is based on collision statistics and frequency of DUI arrests, affording the greatest opportunity for achieving drunk and drugged driving deterrence. Locations are chosen with safety considerations for the officers and the public.

Studies of California drivers have shown that 30 percent of drivers in fatal crashes had one or more drugs in their systems. A study of active drivers showed more tested positive for drugs that may impair driving (14 percent) than did for alcohol (7.3 percent). Of the drugs, marijuana was most prevalent, at 7.4 percent, slightly more than alcohol, police said.

Drivers caught driving impaired can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to include jail time, fines, fees, DUI classes, license suspensions and other expenses that can exceed $10,000.

Drivers are encouraged to download the California Office of Traffic Safety DDVIP (Designated Driver VIP) free mobile app for Android or iPhone, which helps find nearby bars and restaurants that feature free incentives for the designated sober driver, from free non-alcoholic drinks to free appetizers and more. The app also has a tab to call Uber, Lyft or Curb.

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