Newark Police Conducting Memorial Day DUI, Driver's License Checkpoint

Information from Newark Police Nixle Alerts—

The Newark Police Department Traffic Unit will be conducting a DUI/Driver License Checkpoint on Saturday, May 24, 2014, on Thornton Avenue between Mayhews Landing Road and Newark Blvd.

The checkpoint will begin at approximately 8:00 p.m. and will run for 4-6 hours. Traffic flowing through the checkpoint will be contacted by uniformed officers, who will be checking for alcohol and/or drug-impaired drivers. Officers will also check to make sure all drivers have a valid driver’s license. 

The purpose of this checkpoint is to promote public safety, provide education to the community, increase awareness of the dangers associated with drinking and driving, and serve as a deterrent to potential impaired and unlicensed drivers. 

DUI checkpoints are placed in locations based on collision statistics and frequency of DUI arrests affording the greatest opportunity for achieving drunk and drugged driving deterrence. Locations are chosen with safety considerations for the officers and the public. 

The deterrent effect of DUI checkpoints is a proven resource in reducing the number of persons killed or injured in alcohol or drug related crashes. Research shows that crashes involving an impaired driver can be reduced by up to 20 percent when well publicized DUI checkpoints and proactive DUI patrols are conducted routinely. 

Drivers caught driving impaired can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to include jail time, fines, fees, DUI classes, and other expenses that can exceed $10,000. 

Funding for this program was provided to the Newark Police Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reminding everyone to ‘Report Drunk Drivers – Call 9-1-1’. 

Please direct any inquires to Sergeant Ray Hoppe at (510) 578-4236 or Traffic Officer Michael Allum at (510) 578-4793. Media is encouraged to attend the checkpoint in an effort to spread awareness about the impacts of drinking and driving.