Heads Up, Pinole! DUI Checkpoint Planned Tonight

PINOLE, CA -- The Pinole Police Department Traffic Unit will conduct a DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint tonight -- Friday -- on Appian Way from 7 p.m. through 2:30 a.m. Saturday.

The deterrent effect of DUI checkpoints is a proven resource in reducing those killed and injured in alcohol- or drug-involved crashes, the department said. Research shows that crashes involving an impaired driver can be reduced by up to 20 percent when well-publicized DUI checkpoints and proactive DUI patrols are conducted routinely.

In California, there were 867 DUI-related deaths and more than 23,000 serious injuries in 2013. Nationally, in 2014, data shows 9,967 people were killed by an impaired driver -- that’s one every 53 minutes, police said.

Over the past three years, Pinole police investigated 53 DUI collisions which claimed one life and resulted in another 18 injuries, the department said.

Pinole officers will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment and checking drivers for proper licensing. When possible, specially trained officers will evaluate those suspected of drug-impaired driving, which now accounts for a growing number of impaired driving crashes.

Recent statistics reveal that 30 percent of drivers in fatal crashes had one or more drugs in their systems, police said.

Law enforcement emphasizes the preventable nature of drunk driving reminding everyone that all it takes is a little planning ahead. Designate a sober driver or call a cab. But whatever you do, don’t drink and drive.

The California Office of Traffic Safety DDVIP (Designated Driver VIP) mobile app is now available for free download on iOS and Android devices. Launched last year, the new DDVIP app offers enhanced features, allowing users to “Map a Spot” with their current location to find DDVIP partnering establishments in their area or a “List of Spots” to search all participating bars and restaurants throughout California.

Funding for this checkpoint is provided to the Pinole Police Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration who reminds everyone to ‘Report Drunk Drivers – Call 9-1-1.

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