Officers from our local office of the California Highway Patrol, based in Running Springs, will be conducting San Bernardino mountain-area sobriety checkpoints on Friday, July 3. The CHP’s goal, per their statement, is to ensure the safe passage of each and every motorist; sobriety checkpoints are a proven, effective tool for achieving this goal and are designated to augment existing patrol operations. Drivers who are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs can expect to be arrested. The CHP says their objective is to send a clear message to those considering mixing alcohol and/or drugs with driving: “The CHP will be keeping a close eye out for you.” Also, a note to motorists: a year ago this week, the law dictating use of a hands-free phone while driving was enacted. For drivers age 18 and under, no use of a cell phone, even with a hands-free device, is allowed as of July 2008. Law enforcement officers can stop motorists specifically for the cell phone violations and, for those cited, convictions will appear on driving records.
