Belmont PD: ‘If You Drive Impaired, We Will Arrest You’

Regardless of the type of vehicle you drive---be it a Prius or a Harley---if you are driving under the influence of a controlled substance, you will be arrested, say Belmont police.

In anticipation of a holiday weekend filled with cookouts, social engagements, sporting events, and graduations, Belmont Chief of Police Dan DeSmidt has a simple message for motorists---don’t drink and drive.

The Memorial Day maximum enforcement period begins on Friday at 6 p.m. until Monday at midnight.

“Make no mistake. Our message is simple. No matter what you drive; a passenger car, pickup, sport utility vehicle or motorcycle, if you are driving impaired, we will arrest you. No exceptions. No excuses,” said Chief Dan DeSmidt.

Belmont police announced Friday that there will be a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) checkpoint on Sunday, May 28 from 8 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. in the 1300 block of El Camino Real. Officers from the Belmont, San Mateo, Foster City and Daly City police departments will staff the checkpoint.

Law enforcement agencies in California will be out in full force this weekend, looking for drivers who make the mistake of partying too hard before getting behind the wheel. That is why Belmont police want to let the public know, by following these easy steps, a driver can enjoy a safe and festive evening without jeopardizing their life and the lives of the others who may be on the road: 

•   Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin; 

•   Before drinking, designate a sober driver and give that person your keys; •   If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public 
transportation so you are sure to get home safely;

•   If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to call 911. 
Driving impaired is simply not worth the risk, the consequences are serious and real. Not only do you risk killing yourself or someone else, but the trauma and financial costs of a crash or an arrest for driving while impaired can be significant. Violators face jail time, the loss of their driver’s license, higher insurance rates, and dozens of other unanticipated expenses. 
Funding for this checkpoint comes from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.