Folsom PD holding DUI checkpoint Sept. 1

The Folsom Police Department confirmed it will conduct a DUI checkpoint on Friday, Sept. 1, at an undisclosed location. According to the police department, the purpose of DUI checkpoints is to promote public safety by taking suspected impaired drivers off the road, and locations are determined based on data showing impaired driving-related crashes. "Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk," Sergeant Tim Galovich with FPD said in a written statement. "Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improves traffic safety." Folsom Police reported drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license. "Folsom Police Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol," the police department said. "Some prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal." Funding for the program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.