At about 10:30pm Thursday night, Turlock Police held a DUI and driver’s license checkpoint in the 2100 block of Fulkerth Road.
The checkpoint location was selected based on data showing incidents of impaired driving-related crashes being prevalent in the area.
During the checkpoint, officers stopped a preset number of vehicles, while allowing a preset number of vehicles through. Drivers who appeared to be under the influence or didn’t have valid licenses were told to pull into the parking lot for further inspection.
The checkpoint lasted about two hours and resulted in two arrests, although neither were for DUI. The primary purpose of checkpoints is not to make arrests, but rather promote public safety by spreading awareness.
Nestor Munoz, 36, and Jalaya Gibson, 35, were arrested and released on citations for driving without valid licenses.
Officers also conducted a DUI investigation, which involved having a driver participate in standardized field sobriety tests and blow into a preliminary alcohol screening device. The PAS indicated that the driver had a blood alcohol content of .03%, which is within the legal driving limit. His driving didn’t appear to be influenced by alcohol, so he was sent on his way.
“Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk,” said Turlock Police Sergeant Jason Watson. “Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improve traffic safety,” he continued.
Impaired driving isn’t just from alcohol. Marijuana, prescription medications, and other-the-counter drugs may also impair one’s driving capabilities and is also illegal. Do your research and understand how certain drugs may affect your driving ability.
The average first-time DUI arrest typically costs a night in jail, $13,500 in fines and penalties, and a suspended driver’s license for a minimum of four months. If someone is injured, you could be charged with a felony and sent to state prison. If someone is killed, you could be charged with murder.
Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
