The California Highway Patrol conducted a sobriety checkpoint on April 29.
The checkpoint is aimed at saving lives by reducing the number of alcohol related collisions.
Driving under the influence is a public safety problem, and sobriety checkpoints are a valuable tool in combating this major roadway danger. Sobriety checkpoints serve three major purposes: deterrence, removal of impaired drivers from the road, and education of the driving public. The publicity of a DUI checkpoint is important as it impacts people’s behavior and the consequences of that behavior.
On Oct. 19, 1987, the California State Supreme Court ruled that sobriety checkpoints conducted within constitutional safeguards are legal. The checkpoint will be operated in accordance with the guidelines set forth in the Supreme Court decision, Ingersoll v. Palmer.
Motorists approaching a checkpoint will see information signs advising them that a checkpoint is ahead. Once diverted into the lane, unimpaired motorists will be detained for only a few moments while an officer explains the purpose of the checkpoint.
The checkpoint will be operated from 8 p.m. through 2 a.m.
Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
First published in the April 29 print issue of the Glendale News-Press.
