Ventura, Calif. — The Ventura Police Department is dedicated to driving home the importance of celebrating summer responsibly by not driving impaired. The Ventura Police Department Traffic Unit will conduct a DUI checkpoint at an undisclosed location within the city limits on Friday, July 16, 2021, from 7:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.
DUI checkpoint locations are chosen based on DUI collision statistics and frequency of DUI arrests, affording the greatest opportunity for promoting public safety and achieving drunk and drugged driving deterrence. Locations are also selected with safety considerations for officers and the public.
During the checkpoint, officers will look for signs that drivers are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
“Two simple words can keep you safe- plan ahead.” said Sergeant Michael Brown. “Before you head out to any establishment that serves alcohol, plan how you are getting home safely. If you are drinking, that means knowing what sober driver or service you will be using.”
The Ventura Police Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just caused by alcohol. Some prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. Always follow directions for use and read warning labels about driving or “operating heavy machinery,” which includes driving a car. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is not. Marijuana can be impairing, especially when combined with alcohol or other drugs, which can also result in a DUI.
If you plan on drinking or taking medications that may impact your ability to drive safely, plan on staying safe at home. If you see a drunk driver, always call 9-1-1. Drivers charged with DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.
Funding for this checkpoint was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. To learn more about the Office of Traffic Safety grant and VPD’s educational efforts, contact Emily Graves, Community Outreach Specialist for the Ventura Police Department, at [email protected].
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