Long Beach
Police Department

Media Relations
400 W. Broadway
Long Beach, CA 90802
(562) 570-5273
9/4/2021
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEPress Release #
Subject:
*UPDATE* DUI CHECKPOINT RESULTS IN 9 CITATIONS
Contact:
Media Relations Detail
(562) 570-5273
LBPDMediaRelations@longbeach.gov





The Long Beach Police Department Traffic Section conducted a DUI/Drivers License checkpoint on Friday September 3, 2021 at Lakewood Boulevard and Wardlow Street, between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. Checkpoints are placed in locations that have the greatest opportunity for achieving drunk and drugged driving deterrence and provide the greatest safety for officers and the public. 

In recent years, California has seen a disturbing increase in drug-impaired driving crashes. Long Beach Police Department supports the new effort from the Office of Traffic Safety that aims to educate all drivers that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” If you take prescription drugs, particularly those with a driving or operating machinery warning on the label, you might be impaired enough to get a DUI. Marijuana can also be impairing, especially in combination with alcohol or other drugs, and can result in a DUI. 

Studies of California drivers have shown that 30 percent of drivers in fatal crashes had one or more drugs in their systems. A study of active drivers showed more tested positive for drugs that may impair driving (14 percent) than did for alcohol (7.3 percent). Of the drugs, marijuana was most prevalent, at 7.4 percent, slightly more than alcohol. 

  • 503 Vehicles through checkpoint   
  • 73 Drivers screened 
  • 1 Drivers cited for operating a vehicle with a suspended/revoked license 
  • 7 Drivers cited for being unlicensed 

Drivers caught driving impaired can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to include jail time, fines, fees, DUI classes, license suspension and other expenses that can exceed $10,000 not to mention the embarrassment when friends and family find out.  

The checkpoint was funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, reminding everyone to 'Report Drunk Driver – call 9-1-1.'

Original news release posted on 9/3/2:

CLICK ON PHOTO TO ENLARGE


The Long Beach Police Department will hold a DUI Checkpoint on Sep. 3, 2021 from 6:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. in the East Patrol Division.

Checkpoint locations are chosen based on a history of DUI crashes and arrests. The primary purpose of checkpoints is not to make arrests, but to promote public safety by deterring drivers from driving impaired.

During the checkpoint, officers will look for signs that drivers are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

As the state continues to work to stop the spread of COVID-19, the Long Beach Police Department is committed to keeping the public safe.

“The safety of our community is and always will be our mission,” Sergeant Steve Smock said. “We are still out there looking for impaired drivers because driving under the influence is still dangerous.”

Long Beach Police Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from 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 illegal.

If you plan on drinking or taking medications that may impact your ability to drive safely, plan on staying at home.

Drivers charged with DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.