Costa Mesa DUI checkpoint rescheduled

Costa Mesa is going to try to conduct a DUI checkpoint Friday night after its previous two attempts in recent weeks had been canceled because of rain.

Police have scheduled the checkpoint from 6 p.m. to 12 a.m. Friday on northbound Placentia Avenue at 20th Street. The checkpoint is to educate drivers about the dangers of drinking and getting behind the wheel, or not having a valid license.

Officials want to remind drivers that drinking and driving is a leading cause of injury and fatal traffic collisions.

According to police, recent statistics released by Mothers Against Drunk Driving show someone is killed every 30 minutes in an alcohol-related traffic accident.

Many times checkpoints are compounded with saturation patrols where more officers are on the roads looking for impaired drivers.

Funding for the checkpoint was provided through the state Office of Traffic Safety.

— Joseph Serna