Watsonville Police holding DUI checkpoints

The Watsonville Police Department is conducting a DUI/Driver license checkpoint on Friday.

It’ll be held within city limits on August 17th between 6:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m.

According to Watsonville Police, officers will also be looking for drivers under the influence of prescription drugs or marijuana.

Officials say in recent years, California has seen a disturbing rise in drug-impaired crashes.

Over the past three years, Watsonville Police have investigated 149 DUI collisions, one person was killed and 24 others hurt.

This comes as the department also participates in a national enforcement campaign called “Driver Sober of Get Pulled Over” from August 17th through September 3rd.

“It’s up to drivers to make the smart decision and drive sober not just for this enforcement period, but every day”, said Watsonville Police Captain David Rodriguez. “This isn’t about ticketing. This is a campaign to get the message out that driving impaired is illegal and takes lives.”

Police are encouraged to download the Designated Driver VIP, or “DDVIP,” free mobile app for Android or iPhone. The DDVIP app helps find nearby bars and restaurants that feature free incentives for the designated sober driver, from free non-alcoholic drinks to free appetizers and more. The feature-packed app even has social media tie-ins and even a tab for the non-DD to call Uber, Lyft or Curb.