Police are on the lookout for impaired driving this holiday at an undisclosed location.
The Chula Vista Police Department will be conducting a driving under the influence checkpoint from 6 p.m. Friday to midnight on Saturday within city limits.
"Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk,'' said Officer Oscar Miranda. “Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improves traffic safety.''
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, driving while impaired refers to operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. It is defined in the United States as a blood alcohol content (BAC) greater than or equal to 0.08% (mass of alcohol per volume of blood in the body.
Although the focus historically has been on alcohol impairment, drug-impaired driving is receiving increased attention from agencies and policymakers. According to the California Highway Patrol, an estimated 30 percent of Americans will be involved in an alcohol-involved traffic collision in their lifetime.
Over 17,000 people are killed every year in alcohol-related traffic collisions. The CHP reports one American life is lost every 22 minutes in an alcohol-related traffic collision.
The CHP stressed that there is no safe way to drive while under the influence, and urges the public to plan ahead by designating a sober driver, calling a cab or family member, or staying at home or a hotel.
Drivers convicted of a first-time DUI in California face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties and a suspended license.
