CHP to Hold Local Checkpoint Saturday

Temecula-area California Highway Patrol officers plan to hold a DUI/driver's license checkpoint Saturday at an undisclosed location in southwest Riverside County.

The checkpoint is planned as part of CHP's statewide "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" holiday enforcement period, which begins at 6 p.m. Friday Dec. 21 and runs through 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 25, according to Temecula Area CHP Officer Nathan Baer.

Motorists approaching the checkpoint Saturday will see informational signs advising them a checkpoint is ahead, Baer said, in a news release.

"Once diverted into the lane, motorists will be detained only a few moments while an officer explains the purpose of the checkpoint and checks their driver license," Baer said.

Further, during the maximum enforcement period, all available officers will be out on the roadways for enhanced enforcement efforts and assisting motorists wherever needed, Baer said.

According to a news release issued by CHP, 14 people were killed in collisions in California during the 2011 Christmas holiday weekend; half of the people killed in CHP jurisdiction were not wearing a seat belt. In addition, the CHP made 980 arrests for driving under the influence during the 78-hour Christmas maximum enforcement period.

“The winter holidays can pose some of the toughest challenges for our officers,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow. “Inclement weather, holiday celebrations, and drivers in a hurry to get to their destination can make for a deadly combination. We want you to enjoy the season and remember that safety is a crucial element.”

Along with the increased enforcement effort, the CHP asked motorists to help keep the state’s roadways safe by calling 911 to report a suspected drunk driver.

CHP asks that callers provide 911 dispatchers a description of the suspect's vehicle, its location, and its direction of travel.