If the evening of Dec. 13 is any indication, it appears that local drivers will be safe and sober as they hit the roadways for Christmas and New Years.
The Firebaugh Police Department, which has alerted the public that they will be aggressive in seeking out those who drive impaired, conducted a roadside sobriety checkpoint on Dec. 13.
Firebaugh police officers set up in the middle of town at the intersection of 13th and “P” streets. Heading east out of Firebaugh, 13th street becomes Avenue 7½. The checkpoint started at 7 p.m., according to police chief Sal Raygoza, and continued until 3 a.m. on a cold and crisp evening. The checkpoint was funded by a grant from the Office of Traffic Safety, the chief added.
He stated that the goal of the checkpoint was clear: to keep drunk drivers off the road and to help everyone get home safely with the approaching holidays.
“Officers greeted drivers with friendly smiles, their presence a reminder of the importance of responsible driving,” the chief said.
Throughout the cold evening, a total of 984 vehicles passed through the checkpoint, and each driver was given a brief but thorough inspection.
Of the 984 vehicles checked, four drivers were found to have suspended driver’s license, 12 with no driver’s license, and three were screened for possibly being under the influence.
The final and most important result: no arrests for impaired driving.
While the chief is happy with the result, he said his department will continue its work through Jan. 1
The Firebaugh PD will also be joined by the California Highway Patrol, which will start its Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP) through the start of the new year.
The MEP will begin at 6 p.m. this Tuesday and continue to 11:59 pm on New Year’s Day. During this period, the CHP will increase patrols throughout the state to deter dangerous driving behaviors, including impaired driving, speeding, distracted driving and seat belt violations.
“This time of year is about celebrating with family and friends, but it’s also a time when traffic incidents increase due to poor driving decisions,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee in a statement. “Each of us has a role in making California’s roads safer. Let’s work together to keep this holiday season free of tragedy.”
