Checkpoint Will Target Drunk Drivers

As part of a crackdown on drunk drivers and unlicensed motorists, the Oxnard Police Department will stage its 10th sobriety checkpoint of the year on Sept. 8.

Since the department began mounting checkpoints earlier this year, officers have arrested 47 drunk driving suspects, cited about 28 motorists for license violations and towed 168 vehicles belonging to impaired or unlicensed drivers.

According to Ken Klopman, an Oxnard police traffic officer, fatal and injury accidents involving alcohol decreased by 28% in Oxnard since June 30.

“We certainly would like to think that the checkpoints have had an impact on that . . . ,” Klopman said. “Not only are we getting drunk drivers on the road, but we are also raising public consciousness.”

A $24,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety has helped pay for the checkpoint program, which the department has held at intersections across Oxnard deemed to be problem areas.

Officers will set up next Friday’s checkpoint in south Oxnard. Klopman said generally about 12 officers and more than 20 volunteers staff the checkpoints.