DUI Checkpoint Thursday Night In San Diego

SAN DIEGO, CA – San Diego Police are planning a DUI and driver’s license checkpoint at an undisclosed location within the city limits on Thursday night. The department's traffic unit will operate the checkpoint from 11 p.m. Thursday to 3 a.m. Friday at a location chosen based on previous DUI accidents and arrests, Officer Mark McCullough 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," McCullough said.

During the Thursday night checkpoint, police will be on the lookout for drivers with signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment, McCullough said. Officers will also check for valid licensing.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 10,265 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes in 2015, a 3 percent increase in deaths over 2014.

Drivers are encouraged to designate a sober driver, use alternative methods of transportation and download the Designated Driver VIP, or "DDVIP," a free mobile app for Android and iPhone. The app helps find nearby bars and restaurants that feature free incentives for designated sober drivers.

DUI arrests can include jail time, fines, fees, DUI classes and other expenses that can exceed $10,000.

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