DUI checkpoint. File photo.
DUI checkpoint. File photo.

Long Beach and Signal Hill police will be on alert for drunk and drugged drivers over Super Bowl weekend.

On the night of Saturday, Feb. 1, Long Beach police will set up a DUI checkpoint somewhere in the eastern portion of the city between 6 p.m. and 2 a.m., according to the department.

And on Sunday, Feb. 2, Signal Hill police say they’ll add extra patrols looking for DUI drivers.

“With the Super Bowl taking place this weekend, we encourage members and visitors of our community to celebrate responsibly by designating a sober driver ahead of time, not driving impaired, and not letting other football fans get behind the wheel after drinking,” Long Beach police said.

Last year alone, Long Beach police say they investigated 318 DUI crashes that killed eight people and hurt another 132.

Both departments emphasized that driving under the influence doesn’t just mean alcohol, it’s anything that can impair a motorist—from marijuana to prescription drugs.

Signal Hill police urged people to be careful even walking home after the Super Bowl if they plan on watching the game at a bar or drinking at a party.

“If you’re hosting a watch party, be a team player and have plenty of snacks and non-alcoholic drinks available for designated sober drivers,” the SHPD said.

Jeremiah Dobruck is managing editor of the Long Beach Post. Reach him at [email protected] or @jeremiahdobruck on Twitter.