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Law enforcement agencies in Southern California will be out in full force this weekend, looking for drivers who made the mistake of partying too hard before getting behind the wheel. The LAPD and some other local agencies have announced that they will be conducting DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols for the long weekend.
It seems counterintuitive but studies show that announcing these checkpoints actually reduces drunk-driving. "Research shows that crashes involving alcohol drop by an average of 20 percent when well-publicized checkpoints are conducted often enough," the Los Angeles Police Department have said regarding their activity at these checkpoints. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says checkpoints are one of the most successful DUI enforcement strategies.
The California Highway Patrol is starting its maximum enforcement period on Friday at 6 pm until Monday at midnight.
The Orange County Sheriff's Department says that there will be roving DUI patrols starting today until Monday in Anaheim, Brea, Fullerton, Irvine, La Palma, Laguna Beach, Placentia and Cal State Fullerton.
Here are some of the checkpoints and other saturation patrols announced by the LAPD and other local agencies:
Friday, May 24
There will be a DUI checkpoint from 7 pm until 3 am at Figueroa Avenue and 9th Street downtown.
There will also be a checkpoint from 7 pm until 3 am at Ventura Boulevard and Columbus Avenue in Van Nuys.
The Orange County Sheriff's Department said that there will be DUI checkpoints in Rancho Santa Margarita, Buena Park and Placentia from 6 pm until 2 pm, though the exact intersections have not been disclosed.
Saturday, May 25
There will be a checkpoint from 7 pm until 3 am at Sherman Way and Independence Avenue in Canoga Park.
The Southeast Division will be holding a DUI checkpoint at San Pedro Street and Main Street from 7 pm until 3 am.
In Hollywood, there will be a checkpoint from 7 pm until 3 am at Highland Avenue and De Longpre Avenue.
The Orange County Sheriff's Department said that the Cypress Police Department will be hosting a DUI checkpoint but the exact intersection has not been disclosed.
Sunday, May 26
There will be a DUI Saturation Patrol in the Foothill Division and 77th Street Division areas.
Be smart! If you're headed out anywhere this weekend and become intoxicated, use a designated driver, take public transit, or call a cab. For more on why the LAPD shares checkpoint schedules and locations with the media, see our 2010 interview with Chief Charlie Beck.
