Oakland, Calif. — As we approach the 4th of July holiday, the Oakland Police Department encourages the public to be responsible and safe over Independence Day Weekend by not driving impaired.
Many 4th of July events and shows have been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but more restaurants and bars are now open, making it that much more important for the Oakland Police Department to keep the community safe.
July 4th falls on a Saturday this year, and to keep families safe, the Oakland Police Department will have extra officers on patrol throughout the Independence Day Weekend looking for drivers suspected of driving impaired.
On the weekend of July 4th, the Oakland Police Department will be holding a DUI checkpoint at an undisclosed location within the city of Oakland.
“We are all anxious to get out and return to some sense of normalcy,” Oakland Police Department Traffic Operations Section, Lieutenant Sean Flemings. “But that doesn’t excuse forgetting how to be safe on the road by driving impaired.”
The Oakland Police Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. Always follow directions for use and read warning labels about driving or “operating heavy machinery,” which includes driving a car. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.
If you plan on drinking or taking medications that may impact your ability to drive safely, plan on staying at home. If you are going to a bar or restaurant, designate a sober driver before heading out for the evening.
The Oakland Police Department encourages the community to think of the safety of themselves and their families when enjoying the Independence Day holiday. Your actions save lives.
Funding for DUI enforcement was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.