LAPD Will Have DUI Checkpoints, Saturation Patrols This Weekend

LOS ANGELES —The Los Angeles Police Department on Friday announced a series of steps it will be taking this weekend in order to stop impaired driving.

In a release, the department announced a series of DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols, the latter designed to flood an area with officers specifically looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and other drugs.

Checkpoint locations, according to the release, are chosen based on a history of DUI crashes and arrests. At a checkpoint, officers will look for signs that drivers are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, police said.

Officers insist the primary purpose of the checkpoints is not to make arrests, but to promote public safety by deterring drivers from driving impaired.

"The safety of our community is and always will be our mission," an officer identified only as Commander Woodyard, commanding officer of the Traffic Group, said. "We are still out there looking for impaired drivers because driving under the influence is still dangerous."

While impaired driving often is associated with the use of alcohol, the LAPD reminds residents that prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs also may interfere with driving. The LAPD said it's important to always follow the directions and read the warning labels on medicines.

Additionally, though medicinal and recreational marijuana is legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal, the LAPD said.

Not only is impaired driving dangerous, but the LAPD pointed out that it also can be expensive. Drivers charged with DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties and a suspended license, the department said.

According to the LAPD, the scheduled checkpoints and saturation patrols this weekend are:

Friday, September 10

DUI Checkpoint - 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., at Florence Avenue and Central Avenue in Los Angeles
DUI Checkpoint - 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Century Boulevard and Western Avenue in Los Angeles

Saturday, September 11

DUI Saturation Patrol - 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Foothill Area
DUI Saturation Patrol - 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. in Newton Area
DUI Saturation Patrol - 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. in South Bureau

Sunday, September 12

DUI Saturation Patrol - 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. in 77th Street Area

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