The Long Beach Police Department will conduct a DUI checkpoint ahead of Memorial Day weekend to discourage people from driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The exact location for the checkpoint, scheduled for Friday, May 26, was not released, but the LBPD said officers would set up from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. in the city’s West Division, which includes the area west of the 710 Freeway and part of Central Long Beach.
Police say the checkpoint locations are chosen based on a history of DUI crashes and arrests, with the main purpose being to deter people from driving while impaired.
“Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk,” LBPD Lt. Jose Flores said. “Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improves traffic safety.”
Alcohol, marijuana and prescription drugs such as pills can all affect someone’s driving ability, police say. Drivers charged with operating a vehicle while impaired may face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.
Funding for the checkpoint was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
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