OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

DETAILS:
 

DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint Planned this Saturday

 
The Oxnard Police Department Traffic Unit will be conducting a DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint on Saturday, June 11, 2016, at an undisclosed location within the city limits between the hours of 8:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.  
 
The deterrent effect of DUI checkpoints is a proven resource in reducing the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol or drug involved crashes.  Research shows that 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. DUI checkpoints are placed in locations based on collision statistics and frequency of DUI arrests, affording the greatest opportunity for achieving drunk and drugged driving deterrence. Locations are chosen with safety considerations for the officers and the public.
 
In California, this deadly crime led to 867 deaths and over 23,000 serious injuries in 2013 because someone failed to designate a sober driver.  Nationally, the latest data shows over 10,000 were killed by an impaired driver. Over the course of the past three years, Oxnard officers have investigated 598 DUI collisions, which have claimed 10 lives and resulted in another 399 injuries.
 
Officers will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment with officers checking drivers for proper licensing delaying motorists only momentarily.  When possible, specially trained officers will be available to evaluate those suspected of drug-impaired driving, which now accounts for a growing number of impaired driving crashes. 
 
Recent statistics reveal that 30 percent of drivers in fatal crashes had one or more drugs in their systems.  A study of active drivers showed more tested positive for drugs that may impair driving (14 percent) than did for alcohol (7.3 percent).  Of the drugs, marijuana was most prevalent, at 7.4 percent, slightly more than alcohol. Everyone should be mindful that if you’re taking medication – whether prescription or over-the-counter – drinking even small amounts of alcohol can greatly intensify the impairment affects. 
 
Law Enforcement emphasizes the preventable nature of drunk driving reminding everyone that all it takes is a little planning ahead. Designate a sober driver or call a cab. But whatever you do, don’t drink and drive.The California Office of Traffic Safety DDVIP (Designated Driver VIP) mobile app is now available for free download on iOS and Android devices. Launched last year, the new DDVIP app offers enhanced features, allowing users to “Map a Spot” with their current location to find DDVIP partnering establishments in their area or a “List of Spots” to search all participating bars and restaurants throughout California. Users will be offered free incentives at each bar to celebrate their life-saving role.  They can stay up-to-date with the latest from DDVIP and see what other users are saying via its social tab. Also through the app, for those who want to imbibe but also make it a point to plan ahead, users can easily order a sober ride from Uber, Lyft, or Curb – all from one screen. 
 
Drivers caught driving impaired can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to include jail time, fines, fees, DUI classes, other expenses that can exceed $10,000 not to mention the embarrassment when friends and family find out.
 
Funding for this checkpoint is provided to the Oxnard Police Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, reminding everyone to ‘Report Drunk Driver – Call 9-1-1’.
 

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

DETAILS:

Oxnard, CA – This Monday, July 4^th, the Channel Islands Harbor District will be hosting its 19^th annual Fourth of July event.  The event will begin at 8:00 a.m. with a 5K & 10K Fun Run/Walk along Sunset Lane and Mandalay Beach Road.  This will be followed by the July 4^th Children’s Parade on Harbor Boulevard.  The parade will begin at 10:30 a.m. and take place on south Harbor Boulevard between Cabezone Circle and Albacore Way.  Harbor Boulevard will be closed to vehicular traffic during the parade.  Motorists can use Sunset Lane or Ocean Drive as an alternate route.  
 
Activities and entertainment are scheduled throughout the day at the Channel Islands Harbor.  Marine Emporium Landing will have activities between 10:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., including live music, face painting, an inflatable fun zone, and a rock climbing wall.  There will also be vendors with booths as well as a farmer’s market.  This will be a family-oriented event with fun for all.  The event will end with a fireworks show that begins at 9:00 p.m. and can best be seen near the intersection of Victoria Avenue and Channel Islands Boulevard. 
 
Public consumption of alcohol, possession and use of fireworks, including those described as “Safe and Sane”, and use of flare ignition devices will not be tolerated.  All of the involved law enforcement agencies will be conducting strict enforcement of all related offenses.
 
This event is expected to draw a large crowd and traffic delays are expected following the fireworks show.  The Oxnard Police Department will be handling traffic control to expedite the flow of traffic surrounding the event site.  Starting at 7:00 p.m., all intersections on Victoria Avenue and Harbor Boulevard from Fifth Street to the harbor area will be controlled by traffic officers.  The Channel Islands Bridge, between Victoria Avenue and Harbor Boulevard, is subject to closure prior to the fireworks display and will be closed after the fireworks display to facilitate the high traffic volume leaving the event.
 
In addition, the Oxnard Police Department would also like to notify the public that driving on any beach in the City of Oxnard is strictly prohibited.  From 5:00 p.m. on July 3^rd to noon on July 5^th, Arnold Road south of Hueneme Road will be closed to all vehicles with the exception of those who have legitimate business in that area or who are traveling to and from work.  Parking restrictions on Arnold Road will also be strictly enforced.    
 
If you live in the area of these roadways or intersections, we apologize for any inconvenience.  The roads will be re-opened as soon as possible.  These traffic flow modifications are taking place to assist in relieving the traffic congestion from this event in a timely and orderly fashion, with caution for pedestrians.
 
Please have a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July holiday.
 
For any questions related to road closures or any of these events on July 4^th, please contact Senior Officer Jamie Brown at (805) 385-7749 or via e-mail at jamie.brown@oxnardpd.org.