The Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) Traffic Unit conducted a DUI saturation patrol on Friday, Dec. 9, between the hours of 6pm and 2am. Such high-visibility enforcement efforts have a deterrent effect, lowering the incidents of impaired driving, according to the LBPD.
The saturation patrol resulted in: 39 vehicle enforcement stops, two DUI-alcohol suspects arrested, four drivers cited/arrested for operating a vehicle unlicensed or while suspended/revoked and 17 citations issued for unsafe driving.
The LBPD is encouraging drivers to download the Designated Driver VIP, or “DDVIP,” a free mobile app for Android or iPhone. The DDVIP app helps find nearby bars and restaurants that feature free incentives for the designated sober driver, from free non-alcoholic drinks to free appetizers and more. The feature-packed app also has social-media tie-ins and a tab for a non-designated driver to call ride-sharing services.
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.
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 LBPD said.
The department will conduct another DUI/drivers-license checkpoint on Friday, Dec. 16.
Source: LBPD
