DUI Checkpoint Planned In Novato Friday

NOVATO, CA – In an effort to curb drunk and drugged driving around the city, the Novato Police Department is conducting a DUI and driver's license checkpoint Friday.

The checkpoint will be held at an undisclosed location within city limits. The location will be chosen based on collision statistics and frequency of DUI arrests, Novato police Sgt. Nick Frey said.

"The deterrent effect of DUI checkpoints is a proven enforcement tool effective in reducing the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol or drug involved collisions," Frey said. "Research shows that collisions involving an impaired driver can be reduced by 20 percent when well-publicized checkpoints are conducted."

During the Friday checkpoint, officers will be on the lookout for drivers with signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment, Frey said. Officers will also check for valid licensing.

Drivers caught driving impaired can expect jail, license suspension, towing fees and insurance increases, as well as fines, fees, DUI classes and other expenses that can exceed $10,000, according to police.

"Recent statistics reveal that more than 50 percent of drivers in fatal collision had one or more drugs in their system," Frey said. "Everyone should be mindful that if you’re taking medication, whether prescription or over-the-counter, drinking small amounts of alcohol can greatly intensify the impairment affects."

The checkpoint is funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Patch file photo by Renee Schiavone