The Novato Police Department will be conducting a sobriety and driver’s license checkpoint on Friday, Aug. 7 at an undisclosed location within the city limits.
The deterrent effect of DUI checkpoints is a proven enforcement tool effective in reducing the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol or drug involved collisions. Research shows that collisions involving an impaired driver can be reduced by 20 percent when well-publicized checkpoints are conducted. DUI Checkpoints are placed in locations based on collision statistics and DUI arrests, affording the greatest opportunity for achieving drunk and drugged driving deterrence.
Officers will be contacting drivers passing through the checkpoint for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment. Officers will also check for proper licensing and will strive to delay motorists only momentarily. During the checkpoint all officers will be wearing department issued personal protective equipment for Covid safety measures.
Recent statistics reveal that more than 50 percent of drivers in fatal collision had one or more drugs in their system. Everyone should be mindful that if you’re taking medication, whether prescription or over-the-counter, drinking small amounts of alcohol can greatly intensify the impairment affects.
The Novato Police Department emphasizes the preventable nature of drunk and drugged driving. Drivers caught driving impaired can expect jail, license suspension, towing fees and insurance increases, as well as fines, fees, DUI classes and other expenses that can exceed $10,000.
Funding for this checkpoint is provided to the Novato Police Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, targeting those who still don’t heed the message to designate a sober driver.
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