Four were arrested during a Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department (LASD) DUI Checkpoint on Friday, September 11. The checkpoint was conducted on Fairfax Avenue and Santa Monica Boulevard in West Hollywood. The location was chosen based on a history of DUI related crashes and arrests.
LASD reports that one driver was arrested for Driving under the influence, two drivers were cited/arrested for operating a vehicle unlicensed or with a suspended/revoked license, and one driver was arrested for an outstanding hit and run arrest warrant. Two vehicles were towed that night.
A press release from the department states that the primary purpose of the DUI checkpoint is not to make arrests, but to promote public safety by deterring drivers from driving while intoxicated. During the checkpoint, deputies will look for signs that drivers are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s 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.
The West Hollywood Station of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has the following safety tips:
Even one drink can impair your judgment and increase the risk of getting arrested for driving drunk — or worse, the risk of having a crash while driving.
If you will be drinking, do not plan on driving. Plan ahead; designate a sober driver before the party begins.
If you have been drinking, do not drive. Call a taxi, phone a sober friend or family member, use public transportation or call one of your local sober ride home programs.
Be responsible. If someone you know is drinking, do not let that person get behind the wheel.
If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact law enforcement. Your actions may save someone’s life, and inaction could cost a life.
One transportation alternative for people enjoying the multitude of entertainment venues in West Hollywood is The PickUp, which is a cool, convenient, and free alternative to driving.
For details, visit www.wehopickup.com. In addition, Cityline operates free Saturday evening service to and from Hollywood and Highland where riders can connect with the Metro Red Line. For details, please visit www.weho.org/cityline.
As businesses continue to reopen, including bars and restaurants, impaired driving remains a top traffic safety concern. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department will continue to hold DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoints throughout the year.
Funding for the DUI checkpoint last night was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
