BLM schedules DUI checkpoints on public lands throughout Imperial County
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El Centro, Calif. – Law Enforcement Officers with the Bureau of Land Management will be conducting driving under the influence (DUI) and registration checkpoints from noon to 2 a.m., Nov. 29-30, at several locations on BLM-managed public lands in Imperial County, which will include the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area.
Officers will be looking for signs of alcohol and drug impairment with officers checking drivers for proper registration and licensing where required. DUI checkpoints are placed in locations based on collision statistics and frequency of DUI arrests in an effort to deter drivers from driving while impaired. Locations are chosen with safety considerations for the officers and the public in mind.
“We want visitor to have fun and enjoy their public lands over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend; however, we remind everyone to be responsible and designate a sober driver,” said Acting Chief Law Enforcement Ranger Christopher Rice. “Whether on or off road, operating a street vehicle or off-highway vehicle while impaired will bring serious consequences.”
The deterrent effect of DUI checkpoints is a proven resource in reducing the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol or drug involved crashes. Research shows that crashes involving an impaired driver can be reduced by up to 20 percent when well-publicized DUI checkpoints and proactive DUI patrols are conducted routinely. Nationally, the latest data by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows drunk-driving crashes claim more than 10,000 lives per year.
Law Enforcement Rangers are reminding everyone to ‘Report Drunk Drivers – Call 9-1-1.’ For more information, visit the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area’s Facebook page.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.