Crime & Safety

12 Drivers Arrested, Cited At Lake Elsinore Checkpoint

More than 1,200 vehicles drove through the checkpoint, which took place between 8 p.m. and 3 a.m.

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LAKE ELSINORE, CA -- A dozen drivers were arrested or cited this weekend during a DUI/driver's license checkpoint in Lake Elsinore, police said. More than 1,200 vehicles drove through the checkpoint, which took place between 8 p.m. and 3 a.m. at Railroad Canyon and Church Street.

Police said two drivers were arrested on suspicion of drunken driving, while 10 drivers were arrested or cited for operating a vehicle unlicensed or while suspended/revoked. Another 12 citations were issued.

Police said checkpoints are placed in locations that have the greatest opportunity for achieving drunk and drugged driving deterrence and provide the greatest safety for officers and the public.

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Studies of California drivers have shown that 30 percent of drivers in fatal crashes had one or more drugs in their systems. A study of active drivers showed more tested positive for drugs that may impair driving (14 percent) than did for alcohol (7.3 percent). Of the drugs, marijuana was most prevalent, at 7.4 percent, slightly more than alcohol.

Lake Elsinore Police Department offers these reminders to ensure a fun night doesn’t get spoiled with a DUI:

  • Decide before you go out whether you plan to drink or drive. You can’t do both.
  • If you plan to drink, designate a sober driver before going out, or map out another way to get home safely by taking a cab, ride-share service like Uber or Lyft, or using public transportation. You can also look up designated driver services in your area using the National Directory of Designated Driver Services (NDDDS) .
  • If you are designated driver, bars and restaurants statewide have created non-alcoholic specialty drinks (“DDrinks”) for sober drivers: http://bit.ly/OTSDDrinks
  • If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, call 911. Offer a description of the vehicle, location and direction of travel
  • See your friend or other patron impaired trying to get behind the wheel? Take the keys or help them make other arrangements to get where they are going safely.

Drivers caught driving impaired and charged with DUI can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to be approximately $13,500. This includes fines, fees, DUI classes, license suspension and other expenses not to mention possible jail time.

Find out what's happening in Lake Elsinore-Wildomarfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Lake Elsinore officers will be conducting another DUI/Drivers License Checkpoint on Sept. 7.

--Shutterstock image

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