DUI Checkpoints and Auto Accident Prevention

Check Point Ahead Sign — Roseville, CA — Frank Penney Injury Lawyers

Read the blog from Frank Penney Injury Lawyers in Roseville, CA below.

DUI checkpoints were first initiated for one reason, to prevent death and/or injury by an alcohol-impaired driver. In California, these traffic stops are funded by the Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) in an effort to save lives and prevent alcohol-related auto accidents. While 12 states view checkpoints as unconstitutional, 38 states, including California, set up checkpoints on a regular basis.

Benefits of DUI Checkpoints

In 2011, there were 774 drunk driving deaths in California, down from 950 in 2009. A great effort has been made by the OTS and the National Highway Traffic Administration to reduce these numbers. One such effort is setting up DUI checkpoints.

While the efficiency of these traffic stops is still questionable to many, it is clear that they do provide several benefits:

One on one conversation/interaction between police and driver allows police to better identify drunk drivers
Can also reveal drivers that who are driving with a suspended or restricted license
Can find drivers that are breaking parole violations
Can deter impaired drivers from driving altogether because of the risk involved in being stopped and arrested
Leading to arrests of illegal aliens and unlicensed drivers

DUI checkpoints are set up strategically, near bars and clubs, and on heavy drinking holidays such as Labor Day. The OTS conducted 2,530 checkpoints in 2010, which is up from 1,740 in 2009. In addition, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention has found that the number of alcohol-related auto accidents is down 20% in states that implement sobriety checkpoints.

Do DUI checkpoints prevent Auto Accidents?

Some argue that police resources (and money) are better spent patrolling the streets in active search of the drunk drivers who may be potentially avoiding heavily policed areas. The effectiveness of checkpoints is often in question because:

They are more avoidable by drivers than random scouting and patrol
Social media and mobile applications share where checkpoints are located, making them easy to avoid
The cost associated with running them

Regardless of whether or not they are proven effective, Sacramento auto accident attorney Frank Penney believes that precautionary measures do save lives. Unfortunately, intoxicated drivers do claim lives or cause injury to others. If you have been affected by a drunk driving incident, you need auto accident attorney Frank Penney because he will fight for your rights.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

No Fee Guarantee!

Our legal team understands that life can be very stressful after an accident of any type. The financial costs of your accident can add to that stress. When you are asking for help, this should make your life easier – not more difficult. That is why you do not have to worry about any upfront legal fees and expenses when you hire Frank Penney Injury Lawyers to handle your California personal injury case.

At Frank Penney Injury Lawyers, Frank Penney and his staff work on a contingency basis. This means you only have to pay a fee if you win your case. We will never charge a fee unless we obtain a settlement on your behalf. No win. No fee. Case closed.

This means there is no risk in asking Frank Penney Injury Lawyers for help. You get to benefit from Frank Penney’s years of experience, knowledge, and success without needing to stress about the cost. Call today to set up a free initial case assessment or to learn more.

When I first contacted the Law Offices of Frank D. Penney after my accident, I was frustrated with car insurance companies, and medical insurance companies; after all, I was in pain. He and his staff put me at ease instantly! It was such a relief to have someone working on MY BEHALF! They were able to settle my case for more than I initially thought it was worth. THANKS AGAIN!!!

- KRISTA H.

Why Choose Us?

If You Don’t Win, You Don’t Pay
Free Case Evaluations
Over 25 Years of Experience

Compassionate and Caring
Highly Rated Reviews
Proven Track Record

24/7 Availability
Quick Response Time
And More

Our Recent Blog Posts

Tragic River Crash Claims Four Lives in San Joaquin County

By Frank Penney • August 14, 2025

Four peopl e lost their lives after a devastating solo-vehicle crash earlier this month in San Joaquin County. According to the California Highway Patrol, the incident occurred around 3:59 a.m. on August 4 when 20-year-old Julio Corraltitlan was driving a Dodge Charger northbound on Rindge Road. For reasons still under investigation, the vehicle veered off the roadway, striking an embankment lined with boulders and rocks before plunging into the White Slough, where it became completely submerged. Emergency crews rushed to the scene and located Corraltitlan in the driver’s seat and another person in the rear passenger area. Both were pulled from the water and transported to San Joaquin General Hospital, where they were later pronounced dead. Two additional passengers were recovered later by the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office dive team and were also pronounced deceased. Authorities believe alcohol may have played a role in the crash. Rindge Road, where the vehicle left the roadway, is a privately maintained road on Rindge Tract Island. CHP has not confirmed whether all four victims were recovered on the same day as the crash. This heartbreaking accident serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers of impaired driving and the devastating impact it can have on families and communities. Experience unparalleled legal representation with Frank Penney Injury Law , the esteemed recipients of the CAOC Trial Attorney of the Year award. With over two decades of dedicated service, our team has consistently delivered record-setting results for accident victims in Northern, Central, and Southern California. Enjoy peace of mind with our no upfront fees policy. Contact us today at 888-888-0566 or through our website www.penneylaw.com for a FREE consultation. Frank Penney Injury Law does not represent any of the parties mentioned above. Nevertheless, we sympathize with the victim and their families in this time of crisis.

DUI Crash in Murrieta, California Leaves One Dead, Driver Arrested

By Frank Penney • August 12, 2025

A tragic collision in Murrieta claimed the life of a woman and led to the arrest of a 39-year-old man suspected of drunk driving. Police say the crash happened around 5 p.m. Thursday near the intersection of California Oaks Road and Skyview Ridge. According to investigators, Jaime Ruiz Jr. was driving a pickup truck westbound on California Oaks when he allegedly ran a red light, slamming into a sedan passing through the intersection. Both vehicles spun to a stop from the force of the impact. Officers later determined Ruiz had one of his children in the truck at the time. The woman driving the sedan was rushed to a nearby hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Her name has not yet been released. Police say Ruiz showed clear signs of alcohol impairment and was arrested on suspicion of DUI gross vehicular manslaughter, DUI causing injuries, and child endangerment. He was booked into jail but released Friday morning after posting a $75,000 bond. Authorities placed his child in protective custody; the child was unharmed in the crash. Murrieta police are asking anyone with information to call (951) 461-6899. Experience unparalleled legal representation with Frank Penney Injury Law , the esteemed recipients of the CAOC Trial Attorney of the Year award. With over two decades of dedicated service, our team has consistently delivered record-setting results for accident victims in Northern, Central, and Southern California. Enjoy peace of mind with our no upfront fees policy. Contact us today at 888-888-0566 or through our website www.penneylaw.com for a FREE consultation. Frank Penney Injury Law does not represent any of the parties mentioned above. Nevertheless, we sympathize with the victim and their families in this time of crisis.

Bicyclist Injured in Early Morning Collision on Vulcan Drive in Sacramento

By Frank Penney • August 5, 2025

An early morning crash in Sacramento left a bicyclist injured after being struck by a vehicle on Vulcan Drive. The incident occurred just after 7:29 a.m. on Tuesday, August 5th, in the 4300 block of Vulcan Drive, north of Arden Way, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP). Initial reports described the situation as a vehicle versus bicycle collision. Emergency crews from the Sacramento Fire Department responded quickly and transported one individual—complaining of pain—to Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in North Sacramento for further medical evaluation. The full extent of the injuries is still unknown at this time. The driver involved in the crash stayed at the scene and cooperated fully with authorities. CHP officers continued to assess the situation and requested updates on the severity of the victim’s injuries as part of their ongoing investigation. The cause of the collision remains under review, and no further details have been released. Experience unparalleled legal representation with Frank Penney Injury Law , the esteemed recipients of the CAOC Trial Attorney of the Year award. With over two decades of dedicated service, our team has consistently delivered record-setting results for accident victims in Northern, Central, and Southern California. Enjoy peace of mind with our no upfront fees policy. Contact us today at 888-888-0566 or through our website www.penneylaw.com for a FREE consultation. Frank Penney Injury Law does not represent any of the parties mentioned above. Nevertheless, we sympathize with the victim and their families in this time of crisis.

24/7 Availability – Reach Us by Phone, Email, Chat and More!

If you are involved in any type of personal injury due to the fault of someone else, our experienced team at Frank Penney Injury Lawyers in Roseville, CA can help. We are available to anyone in Northern California 24/7! Give us a call today to learn more at 888-888-0566. We will fight for your rights!