BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — The Bakersfield Police Department’s Traffic Unit will conduct a DUI and driver’s license checkpoint on Friday.
The operation, which will be held on Nov. 6, will be at an undisclosed location in Bakersfield, BPD said, adding that it will run from 6:30 p.m. through 2 a.m. on Saturday.
In a news release, BPD said DUI checkpoint operations have been proven to reduce the number of people killed or injured in alcohol or drug-related crashes.
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“Research shows that crashes involving an impaired driver can be reduced by 20 percent when well-publicized DUI checkpoints and proactive DUI patrols are conducted routinely,” BPD said.
Through the operation, officers will be looking for signs of alcohol and drug impairment, while also checking to ensure drivers have proper licenses to drive. The department said the operation will cause motorists momentary delay in travel.
The department added that in some instances, specially-trained officers will evaluate drivers who are suspected of drug-impaired driving for illegal narcotics, including some prescription drugs, marijuana, and even some over-the-counter medications.
BPD said the checkpoints locations are selected based on local collision statistics and areas with frequent DUI arrests.
“Locations are chosen with safety considerations for the officers and the public,” BPD said. “Drivers caught while driving impaired can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to include jail time, fines, fees, DUI classes, and other expenses that could exceed $10,000.”
BPD said funding for DUI checkpoints are provided by the Bakersfield Police Department through a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
law enforcement said the public is encouraged to call 911 if they suspect a driver is impaired.
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