San Mateo Police To Hold DUI Checkpoint

San Mateo CA

11 December, 2020

8:18 PM

Description

SAN MATEO, CA — A DUI checkpoint will be held next week in San Mateo, police said. The checkpoint will be held Dec. 18 from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. on E. 4th Ave. according to police. The primary purpose of checkpoints is not to make arrests, but to promote public safety by deterring drivers from driving impaired, police said. Checkpoint locations are chosen based on a history of DUI collisions and arrests. During the checkpoint, officers will look for signs that drivers are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, police said. "As the state continues to work to stop the spread of COVID-19, the San Mateo Police Department is committed to keeping the public safe," the SMPD said in a statement. "The safety of our community is and always will be our mission," Sgt. Craig Collom said in a statement. "We are still out there looking for impaired drivers because driving under the influence is still dangerous." Police said impaired driving also includes some prescription medications, marijuana or over-the-counter drugs that may interfere with safe driving. Drivers charged with DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license. This program was funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.