Los Angeles: Every year the Los Angeles Police Department gathers statistical information on traffic collisions, arrests for driving under the influence (DUI), and hit and run traffic collisions. A combined sobriety and driver license checkpoint will focus attention on education and enforcement of impaired and unlicensed drivers. After receiving requests from community members and patrol officers for more enforcement, officers conducted a computer check, which revealed a high number of DUI and hit and run traffic collisions on Soto Street. It is believed that the majority of hit and run collisions involved either DUI and/ or unlicensed drivers.

Drinking and driving is an unacceptable behavior that causes impairment, which may lead to property damage, injury and/or death. The Los Angeles Police Department strongly advises that a designated sober driver for those choosing to go out and drink. Additionally, unlicensed drivers will be cited and/or arrested and their vehicles may be impounded.

The Sobriety License Checkpoint will start on Wednesday, December 31, 2003, at 8:00 p.m. and last until the early morning hours of New Year’s Day. The location of the checkpoint is Valley Boulevard at Soto Street.

For further information contact Sergeant Tom Tavares, Central Traffic Division’s Community Safety Unit, at 213-485-2799.

This media advisory was prepared by Public Information Officer Lucy Diaz, Media Relations Section, at 213-485-3586.