A Waymo is cheaper than a D.U.I.
The Santa Monica Police Department will conduct a sobriety checkpoint on Friday night (September 4) as part of a high-visibility effort to catch — and deter — impaired drivers before they cause a crash.
The checkpoint will run from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. at an undisclosed location, chosen because of its history of alcohol or drug-related accidents.
And yes, police are announcing it ahead of time on purpose.
The goal is simple: Make people think twice before driving after drinking, using drugs or taking medication that could affect their ability to drive.
“Research shows that accidents involving impaired drivers can be reduced by up to 20 percent when well-publicized, enforcement checkpoints and proactive DUI patrols are conducted routinely,” SMPD Lt. Richard Lewis said.
During the checkpoint, officers will briefly stop motorists, look for objective signs of alcohol or drug impairment and verify that drivers have valid licenses. Anyone showing possible signs of impairment may be directed to a secondary screening area.
“Traffic officers will be looking for objective signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment and verify that motorists are in possession of a valid driver’s license,” Lewis said.
It is not just about alcohol. Drivers can be arrested for DUI if prescription medication, over-the-counter drugs or marijuana — even if legally obtained — impairs their ability to safely operate a vehicle.
The financial consequences can be brutal. Police say a first-time DUI conviction can cost about $13,500 when fines, fees, insurance hikes and other expenses are factored in, along with the possibility of a suspended license.
The checkpoint comes as SMPD continues to increase impaired-driving enforcement. Officers have made dozens of DUI arrests in recent months, including one case in which police said an impaired driver nearly struck a pedestrian in a beach parking lot, fled the scene and was arrested shortly afterward.
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