The California Highway Patrol (CHP) and the California Office of Traffic Safety are working together to reduce collisions caused by impaired driving. The Reducing Impaired Driving II (RID II) campaign will focus on a combination of education and enforcement efforts aimed at saving lives and reducing driving under the influence (DUI). The year-long campaign continues through September 30, 2016.
The CHP’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System shows, 645 people were killed while another 10,478 others were injured in impaired driving collisions in 2013. Each of these collisions represents a preventable tragedy that had a profound effect on all those involved.
“A DUI crash or arrest can be avoided by designating a sober driver, using public transit, calling a taxi, or by staying where you are for the night,” CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow said, “Spending a little money to get home safely is a bargain compared to the cost of a DUI arrest. The fine for a first-offense DUI along with associated costs can exceed $15,000.”
To reduce impaired driving in Monterey County, the Monterey Area CHP office will conduct a DUI/Driver License checkpoint. This effort is designed to raise public awareness and apprehend impaired drivers.
This year we have investigated six fatal collisions involving someone driving under the influence. That is six lives that were needlessly lost and could have been easily prevented. In addition, 33% of the drivers who were involved in a fatal collision and were at fault were either unlicensed or suspended.
The CHP would like to remind the public to call 9-1-1 if they see a suspected impaired driver. Be prepared to provide the dispatcher with a location, direction of travel, and vehicle description.
The CHP will continue to make every effort to remove impaired drivers from the roadway to prevent the loss of life, injury, and property damage. If you have questions regarding impaired driving, please contact your local CHP Area office.
The check point will be operated from 8:00 PM to 4:00 AM (December 19). The exact location of the DUI checkpoint will be announced approximately two hours before it opens.
Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through NHTSA.