***UPDATE WITH RESULTS***
The checkpoint was established at 9 PM and concluded at 1:00 AM. There were 358 drivers screened and 690 vehicles that passed through the checkpoint. Enforcement activities that took place at the checkpoint were as follows:
10 SFST’s were conducted
1 Neveda resident was cited and released for 23152(a) VC
1 local juvenile was cited and released for 23222(b)(1) VC and 11357(a) HS
3 drivers cited for 12500(a) VC
1 pedestrian issued an administrative citation for consumption of an alcoholic beverage in a public place
The Ventura Police Department would like to remind the public of the dangers of DUI driving and encourage everyone to drink responsibly or utilize ride sharing and other alternative methods of transportation if you plan on drinking.
Prior release: The 4th of July holiday is a time to enjoy fireworks and to celebrate but it is also traditionally one of the more dangerous times on the road.
To keep families safe this Independence Day, the Ventura Police Department will have increased enforcement focused on impaired driving during the 4th of July holiday.
On July 5, 2019 from 8:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m., the Ventura Police Department will be holding a DUI/Driver’s License checkpoint at an undisclosed location within the city of Ventura.
According to preliminary data from the California Highway Patrol, seven people were killed and 73 injured in alcohol-related crashes statewide on fourth of July last year. Every deadly crash involved a driver who had been drinking.
“Drinking and driving is a bad combination,” Ventura Police Sergeant Michael Brown said. “The consequences are abundantly clear, yet people still make the poor decision to drive after drinking. Please be smart and make this 4th of July holiday a fun and memorable one.”
If you are headed to 4th of July parties, designate a sober driver before heading out for the evening. If you are hosting a party, offer nonalcoholic drinks for designated sober drivers and monitor who is drinking. See people leaving who have been drinking? Check how they are getting home. Offer to let them stay the night if a sober driver is not available to take them home.
“Driving with just a buzz doesn’t cut it,” Corporal Al Gomez said. “With the rise in ride-share options, there really is no excuse for driving impaired.”
The average cost of a DUI arrest is approximately $13,500, accounting for vehicle impound fees, fines, attorney fees, auto insurance hikes and other penalties. The Ventura Police Department also reminds residents that prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications and marijuana can all be impairing and land you a DUI, especially in combination with alcohol and/or other drugs.
Funding for DUI enforcement was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
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