Local law enforcement is cracking down on drivers under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, drugs, as well as distracted drivers, through a new task force.
San Diego police already have two machines, called Drager 5000, that can detect marijuana in the system of drivers, commonly known as the marijuana breathalyzer.
The Drager 5000 can also detect cocaine, methadone, methamphetamine, prescription drugs and other substances in drivers.
"We're checking for active THC in the system," said Officer Mark McCullough with the San Diego Police Department. "The officer will rule out alcohol first and then they have a completely separate test for drugs, marijuana, and THC."
The California Office of Traffic Safety gave local law enforcement nearly $5 million of federal funds broken down into several grants.
"The funding will go towards DUI checkpoints, saturation patrols as well as increased enforcement at problem intersections," said Rhonda Craft, director of the California Office of Traffic Safety "To prevent speeding, distracted driving and other infractions known to cause crashes.”
Craft noted that in 2017, 36 people lost their lives and 4,608 were injured on roadways in the city of San Diego.
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The task force will assist in a DUI checkpoint on Friday, October 26 at an undisclosed location within city limits between 11 p.m. to 3 a.m.
