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Community Corner

Santa Cruz DUI Checkpoint Set For Saturday Night

Motorists may face delays along the Ocean Street corridor starting at 11 p.m.

Some motorists in Santa Cruz may experience minor delays Saturday evening because of a driving under the influence sobriety checkpoint planned by police along the Ocean Street corridor. 

Santa Cruz Police are not saying exactly where the DUI checkpoint will be along the corridor, only that it will start at 11 p.m. Saturday and continue until 3 a.m. Sunday, May 19. 

The DUI checkpoint is a joint effort between the Santa Cruz, Capitola and Watsonville police departments and the California Highway Patrol. 

Officers will speak with motorists passing through the checkpoint and look for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment. They also will verify that motorists have a valid driver’s license. 

Drivers who are caught driving impaired by drugs or alcohol can expect possible arrest, license suspension, and an increase in their auto insurance rates. They also will face fines, miscellaneous fees, DUI classes and other expenses that can exceed $10,000. 

While police officials acknowledge the delay to motorists can be frustrating, they will strive to keep the wait and traffic backup to a minimum. 

According to Santa Cruz Police the primary purpose of a DUI checkpoint is to increase public awareness, deter impaired driving and to arrest drivers who are found to be under the influence. They also add that the checkpoint is part of the department's continuing commitment to public safety in the community. 

In 2010, more than 10,000 people were killed nationally in motor vehicle traffic crashes that involved at least one driver or motorcycle rider with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 percent or higher. In California, there were 791 deaths. 

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 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.

Santa Cruz Police Department officials advise anyone who sees a drunk driver to call 9-1-1 and report the details. 

-- The Santa Cruz Police Department contributed to this report

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