DUI Checkpoint Planned for Friday

Marin County's "Avoid the 13 DUI Task Force Campaign" will be screening  drivers who may be under the influence of alcohol or operating a vehicle without a license at a San Rafael checkpoint from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday.

Police did not disclose the location of checkpoint, which is funded by a state grant. 

In addition, a series of roving patrols from 13 Marin law enforcement agencies will be on the lookout for drunk and impaired drivers. Officers will operate throughout the county on various evenings from 8:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.

Alcohol involved fatalities and injuries have dropped dramatically in the last three years of this end-of-summer enforcement campaign in California.  Statewide, combined deaths and injuries in 2007 were 1,780, dropping to 1,682 in 2008. Provisional 2009 data show that the numbers have dropped again, to 1,317 a 26 percent decrease in three years.

"All too often, innocent, law-abiding people suffer tragic consequences and the loss of loved ones due to this careless disregard for human life," said Christopher Murphy, director of the California Office of Traffic Safety.  "Because of the commitment to end the carnage, police, sheriffs and CHP are intensifying enforcement during the crackdown. They'll be especially vigilant during high-risk nighttime hours when impaired drivers are most likely to be on our roads." 

According to national data, 32 percent of fatalities in motor vehicle traffic crashes involve a driver or motorcycle rider with a blood alcohol content of .08 percent or more.

"Our message is simple and unwavering. If we find you driving impaired, we will arrest you. No exceptions," said San Rafael Police Chief Matt Odetto. "Even if you beat the odds and walk away from an impaired-driving crash alive, motorists should be aware that the financial and social consequences of a DUI can be devastating." 

Violators face jail time, loss of their driver's license, significant fines and may be sentenced to use ignition interlocks.