The LAPD set up a sobriety checkpoint Saturday night in Sylmar as part of a Super Bowl weekend crackdown on drunken driving.
Officers spent several hours checking drivers near the corner of Foothill Blvd. and Hubbard St.
Special Section: Super Bowl XLVI
The LAPD has teamed up with other agencies in Los Angeles County to step up DUI enforcement throughout Super Bowl weekend. Everywhere from Glendale to Glendora, authorities will have checkpoints in place to catch those driving under the influence.
“We’re reminding everyone that real Super Bowl fans don’t let fans drive drunk,” said Glendora Police Chief Rob Castro in a statement. “We are asking all party hosts and bar owners to take extra care of designated sober drivers this year."
Law enforcement will also support the checkpoints by “deploying special roving DUI patrols on Sunday … in several communities throughout the area, looking to stop and arrest drivers who are impaired by alcohol or drugs,” according to the statement.
In 2010, more than 10,000 people nationwide were killed in motor vehicle crashes involving at least one driver with a blood alcohol level of .08 or higher. In California, alone, there were 791 fatalities.
“If the word is out that law enforcement is going to be out, that will deter people from driving drunk,” LAPD Officer Don Inman said.
Checkpoints are designed to catch those driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, but often find people breaking other laws in the process.
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“The majority are drunk drivers, but other people are caught with suspended licenses or outstanding warrants,” Inman said.
Some tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration include designating a sober driver before the game as well covering the cost of parking and/or food.
“Drafting a designated driver this weekend will be the correct play call for a sure win,” said Glendale Police Chief Ron De Pompa in the statement.
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