Modesto police to hold DUI checkpoint Friday night
Modesto police will conduct a DUI checkpoint Friday night at an undisclosed location in the city, according to a department announcement.
The checkpoint is scheduled from 8 p.m. Feb. 20 to 3 a.m. Feb. 21, the Modesto Police Department said in a social media post.
Locations for DUI checkpoints are selected based on data showing areas with a history of impaired driving-related crashes, police said. The goal is to improve public safety by removing suspected impaired drivers from the road.
“Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk,” Sgt. Darien Wilson said in a statement. “Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improve traffic safety.”
Police reminded the public that impaired driving is not limited to alcohol. Some prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs can interfere with a person’s ability to drive safely. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal in California, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.
Drivers convicted of a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, along with a suspended license, police said.
Funding for the checkpoint program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
