The Newman Police Department held a sobriety and drivers license checkpoint on Saturday that resulted in one driving under the influence arrest.

During the checkpoint a total of 181 motorists were screened, seven DUI evaluations were conducted, and one DUI arrest was made.

DUI checkpoints are placed in locations based on crash statistics and frequency of DUI arrests affording the greatest opportunity for achieving drunk and drugged driving deterrence. Locations are chosen with safety consideration for the officers and the public.

“Our number one priority is the safety and well-being of the citizens of this community and motorists who utilize our roadways. Individuals driving while impaired needlessly place members of the public in danger,” said Newman Police Department Sgt. Ashley Williams. “We have zero tolerance for impaired driving and are dedicated to removing these careless individuals from our roadways.”

Impaired driving is not limited to the consumption of alcohol, but some prescription and over-the-counter medications may also interfere with the safe operation of a motor vehicle. Driving while under the influence of marijuana or illegal drugs is also considered impaired driving.

Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines, penalties, as well as a suspended drivers license.

“We would like to thank our partners at the California Highway Patrol Modesto area office for their assistance during this operation, Mothers Against Drunk Driving for the educational materials we were able to provide to each motorist, and to those who chose to drive responsibly by not driving while impaired,” the Newman Police Department stated.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.