Drivers Be Aware: Newport Beach Checkpoint Dec. 11

NEWPORT BEACH, CA — The Newport Beach Police Department will hold a DUI Checkpoint December 11th, from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. at an undisclosed location within the Newport Beach City limits.

Checkpoint locations are chosen based on a history of DUI crashes and arrests. The primary purpose of checkpoints is not to make arrests, but to promote public safety by deterring drivers from driving impaired.

During the checkpoint, officers will look for signs that drivers are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

The checkpoint, while planned for weeks, is timely in Newport Beach. Tuesday, a family out driving to see Christmas lights was struck by a driver believed to be intoxicated. Both parents were killed and the children were hospitalized. The driver, a 22-year-old woman, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of DUI.

With the easing of stay-at-home restrictions and more bars and restaurants being allowed to open, the Newport Beach Police Department is committed to keeping the public safe.

“The safety of our community is and always will be our mission,” Lieutenant, Damon Psaros said. “We are still out there in the middle of a pandemic because driving under the influence is still dangerous and puts a further strain on critical resources.”

The Newport Beach Police Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving.

Always follow directions for use and read warning labels about “driving or operating heavy machinery,” which includes driving a car. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.

If you plan on drinking or taking medications that may impact your ability to drive safely, plan on staying at home.

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

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

Read also:

Parents Killed In Newport Beach DUI Crash, 3 Children Injured