Deputies are planning a sobriety checkpoint in Hesperia to search for intoxicated drivers on Friday, officials said.
The checkpoint will take place from 6 p.m. March 13 to 1 a.m. the following morning at an undisclosed location within the city, according to San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Sgt. Corey Lafever.
“Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk,” he said. “Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improves traffic safety.”
DUI checkpoint locations are determined based on data showing incidents of impaired driving-related crashes. The primary purpose of DUI checkpoints is to promote public safety by taking suspected impaired drivers off the road.
Authorities reminded the public that in addition to alcohol, other substances, including some over-the-counter medications, can impair a person’s ability to drive safely.
While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal,” sheriff’s officials said in a written statement.
On average, first time DUI offenders face fines and penalties amounting to $13,500, along with automatic driver’s license suspension.
Funding for the upcoming checkpoint is being provided by the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Deputies to hold DUI checkpoint in Hesperia
Reporting by Brian Day, Victorville Daily Press / Victorville Daily Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
