Los Angeles: On September 3, 2004, the Los Angeles Police Department’s Central Traffic Division will be conducting a sobriety/drivers license checkpoint on Vermont Avenue between Monroe Street and Marathon Street in Los Angeles. The checkpoint will be operational between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m.

Every year we gather statistical information on traffic collisions, arrest for driving under the influence (DUI), and hit & run traffic collisions. We are utilizing a problem solving technique directed at the reduction in these categories of traffic collisions. A combined sobriety and drivers 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 in these areas, officers conducted a computer survey, which revealed a high number of DUI and hit & run traffic collisions on Vermont Avenue.

It is believed that the majority of hit & run traffic collisions involved either DUI and/or unlicensed drivers. Drinking and driving is an unacceptable behavior causing impairment, which may lead to property damage, injury and/or death. We strongly advise a designated sober driver for those choosing to go out and drink. Additionally, we ask that if you do not have drivers license, please don’t drive. It is against the law and your vehicle may be impounded.

For further information contact Sergeant Nicholas, Central Traffic Division, at 213-972-1854.

This news advisory was prepared by the Los Angeles Police Department’s Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.