EL CENTRO, CA – Bureau of Land Management Law Enforcement Rangers will conduct driving under the influence (DUI) and registration checkpoints from noon to 2 a.m., Dec. 30 to Jan. 1, 2024, on BLM-managed public lands in Imperial County, within the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area.
Officers will look for signs of alcohol, drug impairment, proper registration and licensing. DUI checkpoints are placed in locations based on collision statistics, frequency of DUI arrests and safety, to deter impaired driving, both on-and off-road on public lands to keep visitors safe.
“The BLM wants everyone to have a fun New Year’s holiday weekend. Be safe, do not drink and ride, and always designate a sober driver,” said acting El Centro Field Manager Sal Nieblas. “Remember, DUI laws apply on-and off-road.”
The deterrent effect of DUI checkpoints is a proven resource in reducing the number of persons injured and killed in alcohol or drug related crashes. Research indicates 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. The latest data by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration documents 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 www.blm.gov and the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area’s Facebook page
