DUI, Driver’s License Checkpoint Scheduled For Tonight in Fremont

FREMONT, CA — Fremont Police will conduct a DUI and Driver’s License Checkpoint tonight between the hours of 7 p.m. and 3 a.m. Officers will be looking for signs of alcohol or drug impairment.

When possible, specially trained officers will be available to evaluate those suspected of drug-impaired driving. According to police, "Drivers caught driving impaired can expect jail, license suspension, and insurance increases, as well as fines, fees, DUI classes, other expenses that can exceed $10,000."

DUI checkpoints are a proven resource in reducing the number of people killed and injured in alcohol or drug involved crashes. Research shows that crashes involving alcohol drop by an average of 20 percent when well-publicized checkpoints are conducted often enough.

Funding for this checkpoint is provided to the Fremont Police Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

California Statistics

In California, alcohol involved collisions led to 1,155 deaths and nearly 24,000 serious injuries in 2014 because someone failed to designate a sober driver.

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. Everyone should be mindful that if you’re taking medication – whether prescription or over-the-counter – drinking even small amounts of alcohol can greatly intensify the impairment affects.

Designated Driver VIP App

Drivers are encouraged to download the Designated Driver VIP, or “DDVIP,” free mobile app for Android or iPhone. The app 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 feature-packed app even has social media tie-ins and a tab for the non-DD to call Uber, Lyft or Curb.

-Image by Daniel Lane, Patch archive

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