The Bakersfield Police Department Traffic Unit will conduct a DUI/driver’s license checkpoint on Friday, December 9 at an undisclosed location within Bakersfield, announced the department.

The checkpoint will be held between 6:30 p.m. and 2:00 a.m.

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, stated BPD. 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, according to the department.

Officers will be looking for drivers with signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment. Other officers will be checking drivers for proper licensing while delaying motorists only momentarily. Drugs which may impair driving not only include illegal narcotics, but many prescription drugs, marijuana, and even some over-the-counter medications, stated BPD.

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

Funding for this checkpoint is provided from a grant received through the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Call 911 if you see an impaired driver.