Super Bowl DUI Checkpoint Blitz For PCH

LOS ANGELES, CA — To combat one of the most deadly days of the year for drunk driving, the Los Angeles Police Department is planning about a dozen DUI checkpoints over Super Bowl weekend.

The "Drive Sober Or Game Over!" campaign urges football fans to go watch Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles game with a designated driver or plans for a safe ride home.

One-third of all crashes in the state are due to impaired driving. According to the California Highway Patrol, during the last five Super Bowl Sundays, there were 1,363 DUI crashes that resulted in 43 fatalities and 756 injuries in California.

The DUI operations will last from Friday to Monday, 3 p.m. to 2 a.m., citywide and will cover several areas in Los Angeles County, including the San Fernando Valley and Hollywood.

The operation locations are subject to change:

Friday, February 10

• DUI Checkpoint from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at Pacific Coast Highway and Figueroa Street
• DUI Checkpoint from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at Figueroa Street and 9th Street
• DUI Checkpoint from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at Slauson Avenue and Figueroa Street
• DUI Checkpoint from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at Sherman Way and Independence Avenue

Saturday, February 11

• DUI Saturation Patrol from 5:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. in Rampart Area
• DUI Saturation Patrol from 6:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. in South Bureau
• DUI Checkpoint from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at Canoga Avenue and Strathern Street

Sunday, February 12

• DUI Saturation Patrol from 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. in Wilshire Area
• DUI Saturation Patrol from 5:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. in Newton Area
• DUI Saturation Patrol from 5:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. in North Hollywood Area
• DUI Saturation Patrol from 6:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. in South Bureau

"Our message to drivers is `Drive sober or game over,"' said Doug Shupe, Auto Club corporate communications manager. "A DUI collision could forever change your life or someone else's life, leave you with a lifetime full of guilt, prevent you from getting the job you want and cost you a lot of money. Your entire life could be negatively impacted by making the wrong decision to drive after drinking alcohol."

According to Auto Club research, a first-time DUI conviction in California could cost a driver $22,578 in court, arrest and DMV fines, fees and penalties, alcohol education classes, attorney's fees and additional insurance costs. Beyond the financial penalties of a DUI, there is a much greater cost, which is that of a human life. That is why the Auto Club, law enforcement and Mothers Against Drunk Driving are reminding fans to plan ahead before heading out to watch the game.

"We urge everyone to put choosing a non-drinking, sober driver at the top of their Super Bowl party checklist," said Patricia Rillera, MADD California state executive director. "Whether you are going out or staying in, celebrate with a plan."

City News Service and Patch Staffer Paige Austin contributed to this report.