Lodi DUI checkpoint nets three arrests
The Lodi Police Department Traffic Unit made three arrests and cited more than a dozen drivers during a DUI/drivers license checkpoint over the weekend.
The checkpoint ran from 7 p.m. Friday to 2:30 a.m. Saturday on the 200 block of East Kettleman Lane. 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, according to the Lodi Police Department.
Of the 784 vehicles screened, Lodi police made:
• 2 DUI-related arrests, one for suspected alcohol use and one for suspected drug impairment • 1 arrest for possession of illegal drugs • 2 arrested on other criminal charges • 15 citations or arrests for operation of a vehicle without a valid license • 4 other citations Police also towed 13 vehicles, nine of which were impounded for 30 days.
Studies of California drivers have shown that in a third of all fatal crashes, drivers had one or more drugs in their systems. A study of active drivers showed nearly twice as many tested positive for drug use than did for alcohol.
Of the drugs, marijuana was most prevalent, at 7.4 percent, slightly more than alcohol.
High visibility enforcements, which include DUI/drivers license checkpoints, have been shown to lower DUI deaths and injuries.
A major component of these checkpoints are the deterrent effects they have on those who might otherwise drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol, Lodi police said. They also bring about more awareness and encourage drivers to use sober designated drivers.
Drivers are encouraged to download the DDVIP free mobile app for Android or iPhone. The DDVIP app helps find nearby bars and restaurants that feature incentives for the designated sober driver, from free non-alcoholic drinks to free appetizers and more.
The feature-packed app even has social media tie-ins and a tab where impaired drivers can call Uber, Lyft or Curb.
Drivers caught driving while under the influence can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to include jail time, fines, fees, DUI classes, license suspension and other expenses that can exceed $10,000 — not to mention the embarrassment when friends and family find out, police said.
The Lodi Police Department will continue to conduct DUI/drivers license checkpoints during 2017 in an ongoing commitment to lowering deaths and injuries upon our streets and highways.
Friday and Saturday’s checkpoint was funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.