Superbowl Weekend: DUI Crackdown Begins Tonight In Lake Elsinore

The Superbowl has become a part of American popular culture for both football fans and non-football fans alike. Families, friends, and co-workers all get together to celebrate the great American event. Let's make sure we all celebrate in a responsible manner by not drinking and driving.

The Lake Elsinore Police Department Traffic Unit will be conducting a DUI/driver's license checkpoint tonight at an undisclosed location within the city limits, it was announced.

“Officers will be contacting drivers passing through the checkpoint for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment. Officers will also check for proper licensing and will strive to delay motorists only momentarily. 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,” said Sgt. Peter Giannakakos of the Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station.

Tonight’s crackdown is part of a ramp-up as football fans ready for Superbowl Sunday.

"The Superbowl has become a part of American popular culture for both football fans and non-football fans alike. Families, friends, and co-workers all get together to celebrate the great American event. Let's make sure we all celebrate in a responsible manner by not drinking and driving," the sergeant said.

Tonight's crackdown is also part of an ongoing effort to reduce DUI incidents throughout the year.

“In 2012, the Lake Elsinore Police Department investigated 30 DUI collisions in which 37 persons were injured and two were killed,” the sergeant said.