Do Police Checkpoints Make a Difference?
“Driving under the influence” or DUI is considered as one of the deadliest crimes in America. In 2011, 774 people were killed and more than 24,000 were injured in alcohol as well as drug-impaired crashes in California alone. 35 injuries were caused by alcohol-related crashes in Redlands last year. In response to this, more DUI checkpoints were funded to reduce this alarmingly high rate of DUI crimes.
Recently, The Redlands Police Department Traffic Unit conducted a DUI and driver’s license checkpoint from 9:30 p.m. through 2:30 a.m. in the southbound lanes of Cajon Street South at Cypress Avenue. They contacted drivers passing through checkpoint to look for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment. They also checked drivers for proper licensing and other traffic offenses.
Consequently, crashes involving alcohol were shown to drop significantly by up to 20 percent when well-publicized checkpoints are conducted. Checkpoints have proven to be the most effective of any of the DUI enforcement strategies, while yielding considerable cost savings of $6 for every $1 spent and are supported by nearly 90 percent of California drivers.
According to Benjamin Franklin, “An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.” Checkpoints make a substantial difference in lowering the risks of accidents caused by driving under the influence. However, if you’re unlucky enough to be facing an accident caused by an intoxicated driver, or have been involved in an accident yourself, the best think you can do is to acquire assistance from an experienced personal injury lawyer or DUI defense lawyer. Having an attorney on your side is advantageous. You will be given proper advice about what is happening on your case and advise you of your legal options.
Stephen Levine, is a Board Certified Specialist in Criminal Defense — an honor achieved by only the top criminal law attorneys in California. Mr. Levine has over 40 years of experience in criminal defense and family law serving Southern California, and is a highly regarded Super Lawyer as well as AV Rated attorney.