DUI Checkpoint Scheduled in La Quinta

After a month filled with suspected DUI crashes in the area, La Quinta police will be on the lookout for impaired drivers at a sobriety checkpoint in the city Friday night, officials announced.

The driver's license/DUI checkpoint is scheduled to run from 7 p.m. Friday through 3 a.m. Saturday at an undisclosed location, according to sheriff's Corporal Don Olson.

"Officers will be contacting drivers passing through the checkpoint for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment," Olson announced in a press release.  "Officers will also check drivers for proper licensing and will strive to delay motorists only momentarily."

Funding for the operation is provided to La Quinta police via state and federal grants.

There have been several suspected DUI-related crashes in the area in March alone, one of them deadly:

• Man Who Nearly Crashes into Bank Suspected of DUI
• Alcohol a Possible Factor in Vehicle vs. Hydrant Crash
• Rancho Mirage Man Suspected of DUI After Colliding with Curb
• Las Vegas Man Nabbed in Palm Desert for DUI Collision

What do YOU think?  Do you think having more checkpoints will help deter people from drinking and driving, and perhaps prevent some of these crashes?  Tell us in the comments.