At about 10:00pm Friday, Turlock Police held a DUI checkpoint in the 900 block of Lander Avenue.

The checkpoint lasted about three hours and had 207 vehicles go through it, with 183 being stopped.

Officers administered standardized field sobriety tests on four different drivers, who were all not determined to be under the influence.

In addition, officers arrested and released on citations five different suspended and unlicensed drivers.

One of the suspended drivers who were arrested was from San Jose and was suspended due to a DUI conviction. His vehicle was impounded for 30 days.

“We want everyone to enjoy their end-of-summer travels and Labor Day festivities, but it’s imperative to do so responsibly,” said Sergeant Watson. “Driving under the influence not only puts your life at risk, but also endangers everyone else on the road. Our goal is to reduce preventable crashes and save lives.”

Through Labor Day, Turlock Police will continue to have extra officers on patrol looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

These efforts are part of a national enforcement campaign, “Driver Sober or Get Pulled Over.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 13,524 were killed in drunk-driving crashes in 2022 – that’s one person every 39 minutes.

While drunk driving is a significant traffic safety problem, driving while impaired is not just from alcohol. Prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and cannabis products may also impair. If you plan on drinking or taking medications with a warning label, let someone who is sober drive. If you see someone who appears to be driving while impaired, immediately call 9-1-1.

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