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Police departments in the Tri-Valley are encouraging — and warning — residents not to drive while impaired this holiday season.
The Livermore Police Department and Dublin Police Services each have a DUI checkpoint being set up Friday night at an undisclosed location in its city, while the Pleasanton Police Department said it is increasing DUI patrols throughout its city through New Year’s Day. Each effort is funded with support from state and federal agencies.
“The holidays are a special time of year for many, and we want drivers to act responsibly,” Pleasanton police Sgt. Steve Ayers said in a statement. “This enforcement period allows us to get the message out that driving impaired is an illegal, senseless behavior that takes lives.”
“Impaired drivers put others on the road at a significant risk,” Dublin police Capt. Nate Schmidt stated. “Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improves traffic safety.”
In Dublin, police will be operating the DUI and driver’s license checkpoint from 7 p.m. Friday day to 3 a.m. Saturday at an undisclosed location that is associated with a history of DUI-related collisions or arrests.
DPS will also have a special increased patrol throughout the city overnight Saturday — from 6 p.m. Saturday to 2 a.m. Sunday — specifically looking for motorists showing signs of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
In neighboring Livermore, LPD will also be holding a DUI checkpoint overnight Friday, from 6 p.m. Friday to 2 a.m. Saturday, at an undisclosed location associated with past DUI incidents.
“The Livermore Police Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal,” LPD officials said. “Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.”
Also participating in the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, PPD will have additional officers on patrol looking for DUI drivers from this week through Jan. 1. No checkpoints have been announced for Pleasanton to date.
Police agencies urge residents to take proactive steps to avoid DUIs this holiday season, including designating a sober driver or using a rideshare company, taxi or public transportation to get home, having someone sober join with you if you’re walking home while impaired, monitoring others’ drinking if you’re hosting a party, or calling 911 if you suspect another motorist is driving while intoxicated.
For all three agencies, their operations are being funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
