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The Los Angeles Police Department have released details about at least three of their planned sobriety and drivers license checkpoints and DUI saturation patrols for this weekend.
"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," notes the LAPD their news release.
"Research shows that crashes involving alcohol drop by an average of 20 percent when well-publicized checkpoints are conducted often enough," adds the LAPD.
Here's what they have planned for this weekend:
- Friday, March 23, 2012, 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. @Vermont Ave. at 4th St.
- Friday, March 23, 2012, 8 p.m. - 2 a.m. @Manchester Ave. between Hoover St. and Figueroa St.
- Saturday, March 24, 2012 8 p.m. - 2 a.m. @Ventura Blvd. and Columbus Ave. (Sherman Oaks)
The LAPD says: Checkpoints are placed in locations that have the greatest opportunity for achieving drunk and drugged driving deterrence and provide the greatest safety for officers and the public.
At the checkpoints, motorists can expect officers to assess them for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment, and to ask for proper licensing. The goal is to only keep motorists for a brief amount of time. But if you're busted, things aren't going to be pretty: "Drivers caught driving impaired can expect jail, license suspension, and insurance increases, as well as fines, fees, DUI classes, other expenses that can exceed $10,000."
Bottom line: 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.
