Police Will Conduct Heightened Traffic Enforcement And Set Up DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint on Friday

Pasadena police are set to mount additional traffic enforcement Friday throughout the city and also to conduct a DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint at an undisclosed location.

The ramped-up enforcement will watch for drivers going at excessive speed, not stopping properly for red lights, committing pedestrian-related violations and other motor vehicle code infractions.

Police said the Department’s ultimate goal is to educate the driving public at the same time as working to reduce serious injuries and fatal collisions.

The checkpoint’s location will be chosen based on its history of DUI crashes and arrests, police said.

During the checkpoint, officers will look for signs that drivers are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs and also check drivers for proper licensing.

“The safety of our community is and always will be our mission,” Lieutenant Anthony Russo said. “We are looking for impaired drivers because driving under the influence is dangerous and puts others on the road at risk.”

Russo noted that impaired driving doesn’t result only from drinking alcohol. Some prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. Always follow directions for use and read warning labels about driving or “operating heavy machinery,” which includes driving a car, he said.

While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.

If you plan on drinking or taking medications that may impact your ability to drive safely, plan on staying at home, Russo urged.

Police said funding for these programs is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.