Pacific Beach DUI Checkpoint Nets 11 DUI Arrests

On April 2, 2016 the San Diego Police Department conducted a DUI checkpoint in the 2400 block of Grand Avenue in Pacific Beach. The checkpoint was made possible by a California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) “STEP Grant.”

The checkpoint was operational from 11:00 pm until 3:00 am. 1484 vehicles passed through the checkpoint, with 1007 of those motorists being screened by officers. 16 motorists were detained for a further evaluation of their sobriety at the checkpoint, and 11 arrests were made for DUI in or near the checkpoint. 11 vehicle impounds were also conducted.

“The message is simple, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over. Drinking alcohol and driving do not mix. If you plan to consume alcohol, you should also plan not to get behind the wheel of a vehicle or ride a motorcycle,” said Officer Mark McCullough.

The San Diego Police Department recommends these simple tips:

  • Plan a safe way to get home before you attend the party. Alcohol impairs judgment, as well as reaction time. If you’re drunk you’re more likely to choose to drive drunk.
  • Designate a sober driver, take public transportation, a car service, or a call a sober friend or family member to get home.
  • Walking while impaired can be just as dangerous as drunk driving. Designate a sober friend to walk you home.
  • Report Drunk Drivers – Call 911.
  • If you see someone you think is about to drive while impaired, take their keys and help them get home safely.

The national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over crackdown is led by the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and NHTSA, with the California Avoid DUI Task Force Campaign, combining high-visibility enforcement and heightened public awareness through publicity.