The Chula Vista Police Department arrested two drivers who were under the influence of alcohol on Friday at a checkpoint.
Officers conducted a checkpoint from 6 p.m. Friday to midnight on the 300 block of L street, Sgt. Anthony Molina said. Officers reported that 1,085 vehicles traveled through the checkpoint during that period.
According to the sergeant, a total of 465 vehicles were screened, and seven drivers recieved a field sobriety test. Officers gave 12 unlicensed or suspended license citations and impounded three vehicles at the checkpoint.
The Chula Vista Police Department said funding for the checkpoint was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety.
The U.S. Department of Transportation defines impaired driving as 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.
The California Highway Patrol 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 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.
