DUI Checkpoint Planned in Walnut Creek Friday Night

WALNUT CREEK, CA — Walnut Creek Police will conduct a DUI and Driver's License checkpoint on Friday, May 12, from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.

The checkpoint will be located near one of the onramps to Interstate highway 680, according to Acting Lt. Joe Donleavy. "WCPD encourages anyone who intends to drink, to make plans to have a “designated driver” or arrange to take a cab ride home," Donleavy said in a written release. "WCPD appreciates everyone’s support and help at making our streets safe from impaired drivers."

In California, this deadly crime led to 867 deaths and over 23,000 serious injuries in 2013 because someone failed to designate a sober driver.

Nationally, the latest data shows over 10,000 were killed by an impaired driver.

Drug-impaired driving is a growing concern. Recent statistics reveal that 30 percent of drivers in fatal crashes had one or more drugs in their systems.

A study of active drivers showed more tested positive for drugs that may impair driving (14 percent) than did for alcohol (7.3 percent).

Of the drugs, marijuana was most prevalent, at 7.4 percent, slightly more than alcohol. Everyone should be mindful that if you’re taking medication – whether prescription or over-the-counter – drinking even small amounts of alcohol can greatly intensify the impairment affects.

The checkpoint will be financed through a grant from the Office of Traffic Safety.

-Image via Milpitas Police Dept.

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