Motorists in Windsor got a sobering reminder of the dangers of drunken driving Friday night as Sonoma County law enforcement conducted its first DUI checkpoint of the holiday season.
Two dozen police officers and sheriff's deputies stopped traffic on Windsor River Road near Windsor's Town Green starting at 6 p.m., checking drivers for signs of intoxication.
Those who appeared drunk or didn't have valid licenses were pulled over for further investigation.
Most drivers made it through the checkpoint with no problem, and several thanked officers for the effort. "This is very cool," said one motorist.
Officers from the county's 13 law enforcement agencies are taking part in the annual program, known as "Avoid the 13."
Another checkpoint will be set up in Santa Rosa starting at 7 tonight.
Public safety officials say DUI checkpoints help reduce alcohol-related traffic fatalities, and about 250 of them are planned statewide over the holidays this year.
"Hopefully they make somebody think twice before they drink and get behind the wheel," said Petaluma Police Sgt. Ken Savano, who coordinated Friday night's effort in Windsor.
More checkpoints are scheduled in Petaluma on Dec. 26 and Santa Rosa on Jan. 2.
Police are also increasing patrols for drunken drivers over the next two weeks. The California Highway Patrol is planning "maximum enforcement periods" from 6 p.m. Christmas Eve through midnight Dec. 27, and from 6 p.m. New Year's Eve through midnight Jan. 3.
Last year, Sonoma County law enforcement made 176 DUI arrests during the 17-day holiday period.
You can reach Staff Writer Steve Hart at 521-5205 or steve.hart@pressdemocrat.com.
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