Reminder: Walnut Creek DUI, Driver’s License Checkpoint Scheduled For Friday

WALNUT CREEK, CA — The Walnut Creek Police Department will conduct a DUI/Driver’s license checkpoint this Friday Dec. 16, from 9:00 p.m. until 2:00 a.m.

Officers will be looking for signs of alcohol or drug impairment, and checking drivers for proper licensing.

WCPD encourages anyone who intends to drink, to make plans to have a “designated driver” or arrange to take a cab ride home.

The checkpoint is being funded through a grant from the Office of Traffic Safety (OTS ).

California Statistics

In California, alcohol involved collisions led to 1,155 deaths and nearly 24,000 serious injuries in 2014 because someone failed to designate a sober driver.

Studies of California drivers have shown 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.

Designated Driver VIP App

Drivers are encouraged to download the Designated Driver VIP, or “DDVIP,” free mobile app for Android or iPhone. The app helps find nearby bars and restaurants that feature free incentives for the designated sober driver, from free non-alcoholic drinks to free appetizers and more. The feature-packed app even has social media tie-ins and a tab for the non-DD to call Uber, Lyft or Curb.

-Image by Daniel Lane, Patch archive

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