The Tustin Police Department will hold a DUI Checkpoint on December 20th, 2024 from 6:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. at an undisclosed location within the city limits.
DUI checkpoints have a deterrent effect, which is a proven resource in reducing the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol or drug-involved collisions. Research shows that collisions involving an impaired driver can be reduced by up to 20 percent when well-publicized DUI checkpoints and proactive DUI assignments are conducted routinely.
In the last year, there have been 71 DUI collisions within Tustin. From 12/23 to 12/24, TPD made a total of 107 DUI arrests. Of those 107 arrests, 75 DUI arrests occurred between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m.
Officers will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment with officers checking drivers for proper licensing, delaying motorists only momentarily. When possible, specially trained officers will be available to evaluate those suspected of drug-impaired driving.
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 that more drivers tested positive for drugs that may impair driving than did for alcohol. Of the drugs, marijuana was most prevalent, at 7.4 percent.
According to NHTSA, checkpoints have provided the most effective documented results of any of the DUI enforcement strategies, while also yielding considerable cost savings of $6 for every $1 spent. Nearly 90 percent of California drivers approve of DUI checkpoints.
Checkpoint locations are chosen based on the history of DUI crashes and arrests. The primary purpose of checkpoints is not to make arrests but to promote public safety by deterring drivers from driving impaired.
Drivers caught driving impaired can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to include jail time, fines, fees, DUI classes, and other expenses that can exceed $13,500.
Funding for this checkpoint is provided to the Tustin Police Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, reminding everyone to ‘Report Drunk Drivers – Call 9-1-1’.
