DUI checkpoint planned in Lancaster

LANCASTER – The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department will be conducting a DUI/driver’s license checkpoint at an undisclosed location in Lancaster on April 15, between the hours of 6 p.m. and 2 a.m.

Deputies will be looking for signs of alcohol and drug impairment. They also will check for proper licensing and will strive to delay motorists only momentarily. When possible, specially trained officers will be available to evaluate those suspected of drug-impaired driving.

Recent statistics reveal 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, and other expenses that can exceed $10,000.

Funding for the operation is provided to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety.