Long Beach police will be out in force to check for drivers under the influence of drugs and alcohol on Saturday night, authorities announced today.

Officers will be conducting a checkpoint from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. somewhere in the West Division area, which includes the Poly, Wrigley and West Long Beach neighborhoods.

The LBPD will also be enforcing drug-impaired driving laws. California has seen an increase in crashes related to drugs, the department said.

“The deterrent effect of High Visibility Enforcement using both DUI checkpoints and DUI Saturation Patrols has proven to lower the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol or drug impaired crashes,” the department said in a release. “Research shows that crashes involving an impaired driver can be reduced by up to 20 percent when well-publicized proactive DUI operations are conducted routinely.”

The LBPD places checkpoints in locations based on collision and DUI arrest statistics, according to the department.

Over the last three years, 12 people have died and 400 people have been injured in over 1,000 DUI collisions in the LBPD’s jurisdiction, the release said.

“Everyone should be mindful that if you’re taking medication—whether prescription or over-the-counter—drinking even small amounts of alcohol can greatly intensify the impairment affects,” the department said.

The LBPD suggested these tips to not get a DUI:

  • Decide beforehand whether you’re going to drink or drive.
  • Designate a sober driver or plan to use a taxi, ride-share or public transit.
  • If an impaired friend is trying to drive, take his or her keys and help them get home safely.
  • Report drunk drivers by calling 911.

Valerie Osier is the Social Media & Newsletter Manager for the Long Beach Post. Reach her at [email protected] or on Twitter @ValerieOsier