City of Goleta Police Department Checkpoint Seeks to Save Lives

Goleta- May 12th, 2010

Drunk driving is one of America’s deadliest crimes.  In California last year 1,029 people died in crashes involving a driver or motorcycle rider with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher.  That is why the City of Goleta Police Department announced today they will be holding a DUI/Driver’s License checkpoint on Saturday, May 15, 2010 within the City of Goleta.

“Make no mistake. Our message is simple. No matter what you drive—a passenger car, pickup, sport utility vehicle or motorcycle—if we catch you driving impaired, we will arrest you. No exceptions. No excuses,” said Goleta Chief of Police Phil Willis  “We will be talking to drivers, making sure they are not impaired, arresting those who are, and getting the word out that impaired driving and driving without a proper license is not acceptable in Goleta.

The City of Goleta Police Department advises that by following these easy steps, a driver can enjoy a safe and festive evening without jeopardizing their life and the lives of the others who may be on the road. 

• Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin;
• Before drinking, designate a sober driver and give that person your keys;

• If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation so you are sure to get home safely;
• If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to call 911.

 Driving impaired is simply not worth the risk. The consequences are serious and real. Not only do you risk killing yourself or someone else, but the trauma and financial costs of a crash or an arrest for driving while impaired can be significant. Violators face jail time, the loss of their driver’s license, higher insurance rates, and dozens of other unanticipated expenses.

Funding for this checkpoint comes from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. 

For more information regarding news related issues
please contact Drew Sugars, Public Information Officer.

Business Hours: (805) 681-4100
EMAIL:pio@sbsheriff.org