The Gilroy Police Department is targeting drunk drivers Dec. 13 through an overnight checkpoint for drug or alcohol impaired drivers and the use of extra DUI-focused patrols.
The checkpoint is scheduled to take place at an undisclosed location within city limits between 9 p.m. Dec. 13 and 3 a.m. Dec. 14. Officers with the GPD will also be verifying drivers possess a valid drivers license at the checkpoint.
Drivers caught driving impaired can expect jail, license suspension, and insurance increases, as well as fines, fees, DUI classes and other expenses that can exceed $10,000, according to a press release from the GPD.
“The deterrent effect of DUI checkpoints is a proven resource in reducing the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol or drug involved crashes,” reads the release. “Research shows that crashes involving alcohol drop by an average of 20 percent when well-publicized checkpoints are conducted often enough.”
Data from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration suggests that collisions involving impaired drivers account for one-third of traffic fatalities across the state.
