PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION

Hit-and-run collisions accounted for over 25 percent of all collisions in La Puente, California, compared to the statewide average of only 18 percent. Sixty-five percent of the hit-and-run drivers who are apprehended are intoxicated. Over half of them are uninsured, unlicensed, or have a suspended license.

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

The goals of the Comprehensive DUI/Driver’s License/Vehicle Impound Program are to:

• reduce the number of fatal/injury collisions, alcohol related fatal/injury collisions, and fatal/injury hit-and-run collisions each by 10 percent;

• reduce nighttime (9 p.m.-3 a.m.) fatal/injury collisions by 10 percent;

• reduce the total number of hit-and-run collisions by 10 percent;

• increase child restraint compliance by 10 percent;

• increase the number of impounded vehicles by 20 percent; and

• conduct 18 Driving Under the Influence (DUI)/Driver’s License checkpoints in two years.

STRATEGIES AND ACTIVITIES

Equipment, promotional flyers, and handout materials were identified and ordered prior to the beginning of checkpoint operations. Problem areas, such as violator identification were quickly appraised and solved by field fingerprinting and photographing violators. The media was notified and press coverage was initially good. Patrol deputies were exposed to a comprehensive vehicle impound training program prior to working a DUI/Driver’s License checkpoint. Checkpoint locations were selected based on recent collision and DUI frequency rates.

During checkpoints, sworn deputies were used on an overtime basis. Explorer Scouts and Reserve Deputies augmented the staff. The Sheriff’s Volunteers on Patrol (VOP) personnel assisted with Spanish language interpretation, traffic control, and transportation duties. Cameras and fingerprinting were essential in violator identification later in court. Impound fees collected as a result of the 20 checkpoint operations totaled $80,934, compared to the approximately $60,000 spent to operate the program.

Sheriff’s Station Open House events exposed thousands of visitors to traffic safety deputies and materials. A “Sober Graduation” presentation at a local high school just prior to graduation day impacted over 1,500 students.

RESULTS

• Fatal/injury collisions were reduced from 47 to 30 (36 percent).

• Alcohol related fatal/injury collisions were reduced from 27 to 9 (67 percent).

• Fatal/injury hit-and-run collisions were reduced from 16 to 10 (38 percent).

• The total number of hit-and-run collisions went from 111 to 89 (20 percent).

• Child seat compliance increased from 67 percent to 82 percent.

• The number of impounded vehicles increased from 403 to 808 (100 percent).

• Eight educational presentations impacted over 9,100 people.

• Twenty checkpoints were conducted (exceeding the goal of 18), resulting in 34 criminal arrests.

• $80,934 in impound fees were collected.

   WINTER 2002