Temecula Police to Conduct DUI Checkpoint Dec. 28

The Temecula Police Department advised that its traffic unit will be conducting a DUI/driver’s license checkpoint on Saturday.

The checkpoint will take place between 7 p.m. and 1 a.m. on Dec. 28 at an undisclosed location within Temecula city limits, according to Sgt. Dean Spivacke.

“Research shows that crashes involving an impaired driver can be reduced by up to 20 percent when well-publicized DUI checkpoints and proactive DUI patrols are conducted routinely,” Spivacke stated in a news release.

Officers will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment with officers checking drivers for proper licensing delaying motorists only momentarily, according to Spivacke. When possible, specially trained officers will be available to evaluate those suspected of drug-impaired driving, added the sergeant.

The Temecula Police Department is operating the checkpoint with grant funding from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, reminding everyone to “Report Drunk Drivers—Call 9-1-1.”

During a checkpoint held Dec. 14  at Winchester and Nicolas roads in Temecula, five drivers were arrested on suspicion of DUI and one on suspicion of public intoxication. Eight vehicles were towed and seven unlicensed/suspended drivers were sent to court.

The checkpoints are part of a county-wide holiday crackdown in effect through New Year’s Eve. The Avoid the 30 task force—named for the number of law enforcement agencies participating—made a total 250 DUI arrests between Dec. 13 and 19, according to the latest available numbers. 

During last year's Avoid the 30 year-end crackdown, 758 people were arrested on suspicion of DUI.

Authorities recommend that people planning to imbibe during holiday festivities designate a sober driver, hire a taxi or use a community sober ride program to get home.

—City News Service contributed to this report.