DUI Checkpoint Planned in Santa Monica

The Santa Monica Police Department, girding for New Year's revelers, is setting up a DUI checkpoint Monday night at an undisclosed location.

The effort is part of an ongoing campaign by the police department to curb impaired driving.

"Over the course of the past year, traffic collisions involving impaired drivers/riders were involved in 86 collisions, which have killed two and injured 26 people," said Lt. Jay Trisler.

DUI violators can face jail time, the police reminded drivers, as well as loss of a driver's license and financial consequences that include higher insurance rates, court and attorney fees, DUI classes and other expenses that can exceed $10,000.

The police department urged revelers who plan to drink to find a designated driver or book a taxi. Additionally, all Metro rail and bus lines will be free from  9 p.m. Monday until 2 a.m Tuesday.

The follow taxi companies operate in Santa Monica:

• Bell Cab Company: (888) 481-2345
• Independent Taxi Owners Association: (800) 521-8294
• Metro Cab Company: (310) 444-7777
• Taxi! Taxi!: (310) 444-4444
• Yellow Cab Company: (877) 733-3305

The New Year's Eve DUI checkpoint is funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety.

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