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The Atherton Police Department will conduct a driving under the influence checkpoint from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Dec. 29, the department said in a press release.
The department did not publish the location but said the checkpoint’s location was selected based on data showing impaired-driving-related crashes. Several major thoroughfares go through the town including El Camino Real, Middlefield Road and Alameda de Las Pulgas.
“Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk,” Cmdr Dan Larsen said in a statement. “Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improve traffic safety.”
The department added that impairment is not limited to alcohol: some prescription and over-the-counter medications can interfere with driving. So can marijuana.
Divers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, along with a suspended license, the department said.
Atherton recently received a $70,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety. The grant was to help fund DUI checkpoints and patrols, high-visibility distracted-driving enforcement, and operations targeting violations that present the biggest risks to pedestrians and cyclists, in addition to other measures.
