DUI Checkpoint Scheduled In Lake Elsinore Dec. 13

The Lake Elsinore Police Department Traffic Unit will be conducting a DUI/driver's license checkpoint on Friday, Dec. 13, at an undisclosed location within the city limits, it has been 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," according to Sgt. Peter Giannakakos who serves out of the Lake Elsinore Sheriff's Station.

The operation will begin at 6 p.m. Friday and is scheduled to conclude Saturday at 1 a.m.

"In the past 12 months, the Lake Elsinore Police Department investigated 30 DUI collisions in which 48 persons were injured. Additionally during this time, the Lake Elsinore Police Department made over 180 DUI arrests," Giannakakos reported.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration alleges that checkpoints have provided the most effective documented results of any of the DUI enforcement strategies.

Funding for this checkpoint is provided to the Lake Elsinore Police Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the sergeant said.

If you spot a suspected drunken or drugged driver, call 9-1-1.