Motorists trying to start their partying early should stay off the roads in Palm Desert, as sheriff's deputies plan to staff a DUI/Driver License checkpoint Friday.
It will be held -- the location has not been disclosed -- from 9 p.m. Friday to 3 a.m. Saturday, officials said.
Deputies will e checking motorists for signs of alcohol or drug impairment and will also check to ensure drivers have the correct paperwork and current licenses.
"Drivers caught driving impaired can expect jail, license suspension, and insurance increases, as well as fines, fees, DUI classes, other expenses that can exceed $10,000," stated Riverside County sheriff's Sgt. Dave Adams.
In 2010, more than 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 percent or higher.
In California, there were 791 alcohol-related deaths that year.
From Jan. 1, 2009 through Dec. 31, 2011, there were some 68 DUI related traffic collisions within the city of Palm Desert. Of these, four people were killed and 101 were injured, Adams reported.
"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, Palm Desert needs the high visibility enforcement and public awareness that checkpoints provide."
