Grants target drunk drivers

The arrest of nine people in a recent DUI checkpoint was one of the many results of more than $280,000 in grants to the Huntington Beach Police Department from the state and federal governments to crack down on alcohol-related crime.

The department has launched a yearlong program to prevent driving while intoxicated, thanks to a $181,077 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

“The grant will improve traffic safety in Huntington Beach,” Police Chief Kenneth Small said. “Through this grant, funding was obtained to impact those who drive while impaired.”

Police will use the DUI Enforcement and Awareness grant to target impaired drivers and to educate the general public about the dangers of driving under the influence.

“Part of the grant requires that you have to perform a certain amount of DUI checkpoints,” Lt. Dave Bunetta said.

Police arrested nine people for driving under the influence and impounded nine vehicles during an Oct. 24 checkpoint at Beach Boulevard and Blaylock Drive.

Out of 1,704 vehicles that passed through the checkpoint between 10 p.m. and 2:30 a.m., 330 were screened for intoxicated drivers.

Pamphlets from the Automobile Club of Southern California and Mothers Against Drunk Drivers were distributed to drivers who passed through the checkpoint.

Other aspects of the program include warranting and stakeouts for repeat offenders, saturation patrols in certain areas, and arresting DUI offenders who try to drive away from the courthouse after their licenses are suspended or revoked.

“Impaired driving is a serious crime that kills and injures thousands every year in California,” Office of Traffic Safety Director Christopher J. Murphy said. “This grant will help get drunk drivers off the roadways of Huntington Beach, making it safer for everyone.”

The next checkpoint is scheduled for late November.

A $100,000 grant from the California Alcoholic Beverage Control division will be used to reduce the sale of alcohol to minors and obviously intoxicated purchasers.

Huntington Beach police also will strive to reduce the use of illegal drugs and illegal solicitation of alcohol.

The city was one of more than 40 law enforcement agencies to receive funding from a $3-million program budget, the department said.

CANDICE BAKER may be reached at (949) 494-5480 or at [email protected].