IRVINE, CA (March 15, 2013):  The Irvine Police Department will be conducting a Sobriety Checkpoint on Saturday, March 16, 2013 at Jamboree Road and Barranca Parkway, in the City of Irvine as part of our ongoing campaign to take dangerous drivers off the road.

In 2011, nearly 10,000 people were killed nationally in motor vehicle traffic crashes that involved at least one driver or motorcycle rider with a blood alcohol concentration of .08% or higher.  In California, this deadly crime led to 774 deaths because someone failed to designate a sober driver.

“The Irvine Police Department remains committed to reducing injury and death caused by these preventable tragedies”, said Chief Dave Maggard. “Checkpoints are one of many enforcement and education activates we will continue to use to keep our roadways safe.”

St. Patrick’s Day is a popular time to socialize with friends, family and coworkers. The Irvine Police department recommends the following easy steps, for a safe St. Patrick’s Day.

• Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin

• Designate a sober driver and leave your car keys at home

• If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member
• If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, call  911
• If you know someone who is about to drive while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely

The checkpoint will be clearly marked and vehicles will be selected to be checked on a pre-set basis to ensure objectivity.  Motorists will be greeted and given an informational brochure on impaired driving.  Driver’s licenses will be checked, and trained officers will direct impaired drivers to a secondary check area for further evaluation.  Most motorists will experience little delay, if any at all.

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IRVINE POLICE DEPARTMENT
One Civic Center Plaza, Irvine, CA 92606
(949) 724-7000  www.irvinepd.org
"Working In Partnership with the Community"

INTEGRITY - QUALITY SERVICE - ACCOUNTABILITY - RESPECT

The City of Irvine has a population of more than 212,000, spans 65 square miles and is recognized as one of America's safest and most successful master-planned urban communities. Top-rated educational institutions, an enterprising business atmosphere, sound environmental stewardship, and respect for diversity all contribute to Irvine's enviable quality of life. This family-friendly city features more than 16,000 acres of parks, sports fields and dedicated open space and is the home of the Orange County Great Park – the first great metropolitan park of the 21st century.  For more information, please visit www.cityofirvine.org.