For further information, contact:
Jan Ford, Public Information

San Francisco Avoid

(650) 322-9121 Cell: (650) 269-2148

SATURDAY, SEPT. 19, SOBRIETY CHECKPOINT SET BY SAN FRANCISCO POLICE TRAFFIC COMPANY

 A Saturday, Sept. 19, sobriety and driver’s license checkpoint is on the enforcement calendar for the San Francisco Police Dept.’s Traffic Company. It begins at 8:30 p.m. Police will disclose the location shortly before starting time.

Officers sometimes find a drunk driver with a car full of friends coming through a checkpoint, said SFPD Sgt. Neil Swendsen, who offers tips on avoiding this dangerous situation.

“When you’re out with a group, and someone who has been drinking too much is about to drive, there are two methods to getting them to hand over their keys,” he explained.

“If it’s a close friend, use a calm approach at first, joke about it, try to make it sound like you’re doing them a favor. Tell the person that you’re not going to ride with them, tell them you’ll take a cab, call another friend for a ride, or walk home.

If it’s someone you don’t know very well, ask their friends to try to talk them into handing over the keys. People will usually listen.”

The checkpoint is funded by the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Swendsen said.

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