San Diego County Sheriff's Department: Impaired / Unlicensed Driver Checkpoint - Imperial Beach

Press release from San Diego County Sheriff's Department:

09/02/2021 8:23 AM

Imperial Beach, California - The San Diego Sheriff's Department will be conducting a DUI/Driver's License Checkpoint on Friday, September 3, 2021 in the city of Imperial Beach between 7:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. 

Checkpoint locations are based on history of DUI crashes and arrests. During the checkpoint, officers will look for signs drivers are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, as well as check drivers for valid licenses. 

In 2018, 1,069 people were killed on California roads in crashes involving drivers who had a blood alcohol content over the legal limit (.08 or above). The city of Imperial Beach has a high number of alcohol-related traffic incidents. The amount of DUI related arrests and collisions that occur along the coastal region are among the highest in the County of San Diego. 

The San Diego County Sheriff's Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Prescription or over-the-counter medications with an operating heavy machinery warning on the label can also impair. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal. 

If you plan on drinking or are taking medications that can affect your ability to drive, please take these precautions to avoid a DUI:

• Always use a designated sober driver – a friend who is not drinking, ride-share, cab or public transportation – to get home.
• Walking while impaired is also dangerous. Have someone sober walk you home or stay with you until a sober driver is available to pick you up.
• Report drunk drivers – Call 911.
• Hosting a party? Offer nonalcoholic drinks. Monitor who is drinking and how they are getting home.

A DUI charge is not cheap. Drivers charged with DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license and possible jail time.

Funding for this checkpoint is provided to the San Diego County Sheriff's Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 

You may direct any questions regarding the checkpoint to Sergeant Samuel Lizárraga.

Media Contact: Sgt. Samuel Lizárraga
Imperial Beach Sheriff's Station (619) 498-2400
Samuel.Lizarraga@sdsheriff.org

This press release was produced by San Diego County Sheriff's Department. The views expressed here are the author’s own.