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DUI Checkpoint
updated: Jan 17, 2013, 3:21 PM
Source: Santa Barbara Sheriff's Department
The Goleta Traffic Unit will be conducting a DUI/Driver's License Checkpoint on
Friday January 18th, at an undisclosed location within the city limits between the hours of 7:00
pm and 3:00 am.
The deterrent effect of DUI checkpoints is a proven resource in reducing the number of
persons killed and injured in alcohol or drug involved crashes. Research shows that crashes
involving alcohol drop by an average of 20 percent when well-publicized checkpoints are
conducted often enough.
Officers will be contacting drivers passing through the checkpoint and looking for signs of
alcohol and/or drug impairment. Officers will also check drivers for proper licensing and
will strive to delay motorists only momentarily. When possible, specially trained officers will
be available to evaluate those suspected of drug-impaired driving. People caught driving
impaired can expect jail, license suspension, and insurance increases, as well as fines, fees,
DUI classes and other expenses which can exceed $10,000.
In 2011, nearly 10,000 people were killed nationally in motor vehicle traffic crashes that
involved at least one driver or motorcycle rider with a blood alcohol concentration of .08%
or higher. In California, this deadly crime led to 774 deaths because someone failed to
designate a sober driver. "Since 2011, DUI collisions have claimed 3 lives and resulted in 48
crashes, injuring 27 of our friends and neighbors in Goleta," said Sgt. Kevin Huddle of the
Goleta Traffic Unit.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), checkpoints have
provided the most effective documented results of any of the DUI enforcement strategies,
while also yielding considerable cost savings of $6 for every $1 spent. Based on collision
statistics and frequency of DUI arrests, DUI Checkpoints are placed in locations that have
the greatest opportunity for achieving drunk and drugged driving deterrence. Locations are
chosen with safety considerations for the officers and the public.
"DUI Checkpoints have been an essential part of the phenomenal reduction in DUI deaths
that we witnessed since 2006 in California," said Christopher J. Murphy, Director of the
Office of Traffic Safety. "But since the tragedy of DUI accounts for nearly one third of traffic
fatalities, Goleta needs the high visibility enforcement and public awareness that checkpoints
provide."
Funding for this checkpoint is provided to Goleta Police by a grant from the California Office
of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, reminding
everyone to continue to work together to bring an end to these tragedies. If you see a Drunk
Driver - Call 9-1-1.
The City of Goleta contracts with the Santa Barbara Sheriff's Office for police services.
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