Driving Sober

The Redlands Police Department will conduct a DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint on Colton Avenue at New York Street beginning at 7 p.m. Friday, June 28, through 1:30 a.m. Saturday. DUI checkpoints like this one are placed in locations based on collision statistics and frequency of DUI arrests. Officers will look for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment and checking drivers for proper licensing. The Redlands Police Department reminds drivers that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” If you take prescription drugs, particularly those with a driving or operating machinery warning on the label, you might be impaired enough to get a DUI. Marijuana can also be impairing, especially in combination with alcohol or other drugs, and can result in a DUI. In 2017, 1,120 people were killed in alcohol-involved crashes on California roads. Last year Redlands Police investigated 62 DUI injury collisions including two fatalities. The Redlands Police Department offers these reminders to ensure you have a safe night of fun that doesn’t involve a DUI: Always use a designated sober driver – a friend who is not drinking, ride-share, cab or public transportation – to get home. See someone who is clearly impaired try and drive? Take the keys and help them make other arrangements to find a sober way home. Report drunk drivers – Call 911. Hosting a party? Offer nonalcoholic drinks. Monitor anyone who is drinking and how they are getting home. Getting home safely is cheap, but getting a DUI is not! Drivers caught driving impaired and charged with DUI can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to be upwards of $13,500. This includes fines, fees, DUI classes, license suspension and other expenses not to mention possible jail time. Funding for this checkpoint is provided to the Redlands Police Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.