Sixteen people were arrested Saturday night during the San Diego Police’s DUI checkpoint in the East Village.
Officers cordoned off two lanes in the 1400 block of G Street from 10:50 p.m. to 3 a.m. to help examine and nab drivers who had been drinking.
In all, 1,988 vehicles passed through the checkpoint, and 793 were screened, police said.
Twenty-five were pulled over for field sobriety tests, and officers found that 16 of those people were too drunk to drive. Three were already on DUI probation for previous offenses when they were taken into custody.
“The message is simple, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” said SDPD Officer Mark McCullough in a press release, quoting the crackdown’s motto. “Drinking alcohol and driving do not mix. If you plan to consume alcohol, you should also plan not to get behind the wheel of a vehicle or ride a motorcycle.”
Police also impounded 18 vehicles during the checkpoint operation, which was paid for by the California Office of Traffic Safety’s DUI Mini Grant.
McCullough offered tips to stay safe behind the wheel and prevent getting a DUI yourself: plan a safe way home before you start drinking, or use a taxi, designated driver or public transportation if you’re impaired.
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He also recommended if you have to ask friends if they’re OK to drive, they’re probably not, so don't let them get behind a wheel.
