Don't want to end up on the jail log this weekend or pay fines and to a DUI lawyer, then listen to EPD and CHP

 

EPD is conducting a DUI checkpoint today. CHP is doing maximum enforcement Friday to Monday. Don't want to end up on the jail log this weekend or pay thousands in fines and to a DUI lawyer, then listen to EPD and CHP.

EPD Press Release:

On AUGUST 28, 2024, the Eureka PoliceDepartment will conduct a driving under the influence (DUI) Checkpoint from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. at an undisclosed location.

DUI checkpoint locations are determined based on data showing incidents of impaired driving-related crashes. The primary purpose of DUI checkpoints are to promote public safety by taking suspected impaired drivers off the road.

“Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk,” Chief Brian Stephens said. “Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improve traffic safety.”

Eureka Police Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.

Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

CHP Press Release:

As the Labor Day holiday approaches, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) is launching a statewide enforcement effort to keep the public safe on the road through the holiday weekend.

The CHP will initiate a statewide Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP) beginning at 6:01 p.m. on Friday, August 30, and continuing through 11:59 p.m. on Monday, September 2. During the holiday weekend, all available CHP officers will be on patrol to encourage safe driving and assist motorists.

“Everyone’s safety is our top priority, so make responsible choices. Drive sober, stay focused and help keep our roads safe for all who use them,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “Your decisions behind the wheel can save lives – yours and others.”

During last year’s Labor Day MEP, 38 people were killed in crashes throughout the state. Of note, nearly half of the vehicle occupants who were killed in a crash within CHP jurisdiction were not wearing a seat belt. In addition, CHP officers statewide made 1,064 arrests for driving under the influence during the 78-hour holiday enforcement period.

Remember to keep yourself and others safe by designating a sober driver or using public transit. If you see a driver who seems impaired, call 9-1-1 right away. Be prepared to give the dispatcher details about the vehicle, including license plate number, location and direction of travel. Your call could save a life.

EPD update issued 8/29:

On August 28, 2024, the Eureka Police Department, supported by the California Highway Patrol and the Humboldt County District Attorney’s Investigator Unit, conducted a DUI Checkpoint on 4th Street near Commercial Street in Eureka.  The checkpoint ran from approximately 7:45 p.m. to 11:30 a.m.  During the operational period of the checkpoint a total of 700 vehicles passed through the checkpoint.  Of those vehicles, 645 were screened by officers.  55 vehicles were not screened due to traffic congestion.  49 vehicles were pulled aside for further screening by officers. 

There was one arrest made during the checkpoint and the driver was for DUI (Alcohol/Drugs), Failure to obey a Peace Officer, Driving on a suspended license, and Possession of a controlled substance.  

In addition to this arrest the following enforcement actions were taken: 

9 - Field Sobriety Test were administered to drivers. 

9 – Citations were issued for Driving While Unlicensed or Driving on a Suspended License 

2 – Citations issued for Open Containers 1 – Citation for a Registration Violation 

4 – Vehicles were towed The Eureka Police Department would like to remind everyone to be safe this holiday weekend and don’t drive impaired.   

We would also like to thank the California Highway Patrol, the Humboldt County District Attorney’s Investigative Unit and the City of Eureka’s Public Works Division for their assistance with this operation.