South OC Times

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) will conduct a DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint on Friday, May 17, from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. at an undisclosed location in San Clemente.

DUI checkpoints are strategically placed based on collision statistics and the frequency of DUI arrests. Deputies will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment and checking drivers for proper licensing.

The OCSD reminds drivers that "DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze." Prescription drugs, particularly those with warnings about driving or operating machinery, can impair driving abilities enough to warrant a DUI. Marijuana use, especially when combined with alcohol or other drugs, can also lead to impairment and result in a DUI.

In 2019, there were 1,066 fatalities in alcohol-involved crashes on California roads.

To ensure safety and avoid DUIs, the Sheriff’s Department offers these reminders:

- Always use a designated sober driver – whether it be a friend who is not drinking, ride-share services, cabs, or public transportation.

- If you see someone who is clearly impaired attempting to drive, take their keys and help them find an alternative way home.

- Report drunk drivers by calling 911.

- If hosting a party, offer nonalcoholic drinks and monitor guests' drinking habits and how they plan to get home.

The cost of getting home safely is minimal compared to the expenses associated with a DUI arrest. Drivers charged with DUI can face costs upwards of $13,500 due to fines, fees, DUI classes, license suspension, other expenses, and potential jail time.

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