SPPD: Latest DUI/Drivers License Checkpoint leads to arrests, cars towed
September 29, 2010
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula Police Department
Santa Paula’s latest effort to keep impaired drivers off the road led to four arrests of those suspected of driving under the influence, as well as five citations for unlicensed drivers in an operation conducted Saturday evening.
The DUI/Drivers License Checkpoint was held on North 10th Street between Ventura an Main streets from 6 p.m. to about 10 p.m., according to Santa Paula Police Department Lieutenant Troyce Reynolds.
“We screened 618 cards, arrested four DUIs and cited five unlicensed drivers,” towing seven cars from the scene. Reynolds said the checkpoints are meant to reduce the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol-involved crashes.
“DUI checkpoints are conducted to identify offenders and get them off the street, as well as educate the public on the dangers of impaired driving.... All too often,” said Reynolds, “members of our community are senselessly injured or killed on local roadways by impaired drivers. This DUI/Drivers License checkpoint is an effort to reduce those tragedies,” as well as insuring drivers have a valid driver’s license.
“A major component of these checkpoints is to increase awareness of the dangers of impaired driving and to encourage sober designated drivers” by distributing materials related to same. “A DUI checkpoint is a proven effective method for achieving this goal.” By publicizing these enforcement and education efforts, “The Santa Paula Police Department believes motorists can be deterred from drinking and driving.”
Reynolds noted, “Our objective is to send a clear message to those who are considering driving a motor vehicle after consuming alcohol and/or drugs - ‘Drunk Driving, Over the Limit, Under Arrest.’ The public is encouraged to help keep roadways safe by calling 911 if they see a suspected impaired driver.”
Funding for this ongoing operation, Reynolds noted, is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
