The Tustin Police Department Traffic Unit will be conducting a DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint on August 18th, 2023 at an undisclosed location within the city limits, between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m.
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.
Within the last twelve months, there have been 67 DUI collisions within our city limits. Additionally, between January 2023 and August 2023, TPD made a total of 78 DUI arrests. Of those 78 arrests, 45 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 (14 percent) than did for alcohol (7.3 percent). Of the drugs, marijuana was most prevalent, at 7.4 percent, slightly more than alcohol.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (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.
DUI Checkpoints are placed in locations based on collision statistics and frequency of DUI arrests, affording the greatest opportunity for achieving drunk and drugged driving deterrence. Locations are chosen with safety considerations for the officers and the public.
Drivers caught driving impaired can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to include jail time, fines, fees, DUI classes, other expenses that can exceed $10,000, not to mention the embarrassment when friends and family find out.
Funding for this checkpoint is provided to 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
