The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department conducted a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) checkpoint on Friday, March 25; a recent press release from the Department said. The checkpoint screened 570 cars and resulted in multiple arrests and more than 20 citations.
“Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk,” Deputy Chris Loucks said in the release. “Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improves traffic safety.”
The checkpoint, conducted by the Moreno Valley Station, led to the arrest of two drivers accused of being under the influence of alcohol and one driver accused of driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol, the release said. In addition, two individuals were charged with driving with a suspended license, another was charged with possession of illegal drugs and another was charged with a felony for alleged possession of a concealed loaded firearm.
A total of seven arrests stemmed from the checkpoint, which took place between 10 p.m. and 3 a.m. on Perris Boulevard south of Bay Avenue, the release said. Locations like these are chosen based on impaired-driving accident statistics.
First-time DUI offenders face average charges of $13,500 in fines and penalties in addition to a suspended license; the release said, emphasizing the seriousness of a DUI charge.
Impaired driving goes beyond alcohol use, the Moreno Valley Sheriff’s Station reminded the public in the release. Certain prescription drugs and medications, over-the-counter drugs, and medical and recreational marijuana can leave a driver impaired. While marijuana use is legal, driving under the influence of it is against the law.
