Greg in Oceanside wrote on Sep 26, 2008 7:23 AM:This needs to be a one-stop-shop for other law enforcement agencies. ICE and Customs should also be in the wings to apprehend and subsequently deport any illegal aliens stopped at these checkpoints.

Nonetheless, let's hope illegal, unlicensed, uninsured, and intoxicated drivers are taken off our roads.

esteban wrote on Sep 26, 2008 7:41 AM:Another loss for the know it all anticops....

I agree ICE wrote on Sep 26, 2008 8:16 AM:needs to be seen there as a deterent to those who choose to drive while in the country illegally.

wrongfully stopped wrote on Sep 26, 2008 9:48 AM:I was pulled over a few weeks ago at 10:30pm after having dinner with a friend at the Brigantine. I was pulled over for no front license plate which evolved into a full on 2 hour long sobriety check and breathalizer. I was under the legal limit, but did have alcohol in my system. I had 2 glasses of wine with dinner, who doesn't? Besides sober people. The officer said that he doubted the test and wanted to "use his own judgement". After the breath test he had me do all the sidewalk stuff again. In high heels. He said I was free to go, but if I drove my car he would arrest me. I called a cab and payed $60 to get home from Encinitas. I was traumatized by the event. The officer verbally gave me a lashing!! Made me quite scared and upset. So my point in writing this is, don't think you are safe even having 2 glasses of wine. Though if Officer Poorman is conducting the checkpoint, I am sure you would not experience what I did with the Encinitas officer. Officer Poorman is a decent man and city protector. Heed my warning!!!!

Driving Instructor wrote on Sep 26, 2008 10:47 AM:Greg, I second your thoughts! I agree whole heartedly.

Driving Instructor wrote on Sep 26, 2008 11:06 AM:Wrongfully stopped? Tell that to the parents of an LA boy who was slaughtered by a driver who only had a few glass of wine, and thought they were safe to drive. You were wrongfully let go. The officer did you a favor. Albeit the legal limit is 0.08% for adult drivers... anybody consuming alcohol before driving is asking for trouble. All it takes is one drink to temporarily cloud a person's judgement. I too, enjoy the occasional glass of wine. However, you will never see me doing something so stupid as putting the key's into the ignition afterwards. So the Officer used his own judgement? It was obviously better than yours. With the exception of letting you go. Then again, he probably had to. So you had to pay a measly $60.00 for a cab? It's much better than $60,000 dollars towards someone's medical bills because you made the wrong choice to drink and drive. You're traumatized? I won't even go there. Anybody on the road who drink's and drives scares me! The act alone says they have no regard for anybody but themselves.

me wrote on Sep 26, 2008 11:42 AM:Call it what it is…another City Fundraiser to issue out tickets to idiots that drive on suspended licenses or expired registrations. Go get ‘em’ OPD!!!

wrongfully stopped wrote on Sep 26, 2008 12:35 PM:Dear Driving Instructor,
I get your point. I don't know that I deserved the lashing from you as well, though. And yes, now I know better, and I have my wine in my own backyard. I too buried a child a few years ago, selfish, I am not. I appreciate life and all that it has to offer, with respect to others. But harassment by a police officer, when nothing I did was "illegal" according to the law of drinking while intoxicated, was uncalled for. Were you aware that there was an officer who raped a woman not too long ago after a traffic stop? I believe she too, had a minor infraction that she was pulled over for, like no front license plate.

To Driving Instructor wrote on Sep 26, 2008 2:57 PM:I bet you feel like a complete jackass now. She has obviously learned her lessing and doesn't need a lecture from you...I am 100% against drinking and driving, but I was in a similar situation as wrongfully stopped, so I know exactly how she feels. I was pulled over after having only 2 beers(over a 1 1/2 hr. period) and although I was perfectly fine, I was arrested and given a DUI. I don't care who you are..having 2 cops with their bright lights on you and taking those field sobriety checks(in heels as well) at 2 in the morning is nerve racking. Although I passed a breathalizer test, they insisted I was on some type of drug and took me into the station. Well, I passed that drug test and they later ended up dropping my case. Spending 12 hrs in jail for being SOBER was a lot of fun though, thanks OPD!
If you're that worried about someone driving after 2 glasses of wine(probably over a period of a couple hrs. and WITH food) then you should also be worried about those people who text, eat, do their make up, and even read when they drive because they scare the heck out of me!

To_wrongfuly_stopped wrote on Sep 26, 2008 4:45 PM:I was in the same situation. I was the only sober person in the car out of the 4.They pulled me out of the car and started concucting their tests.I passed all with flying colors. Then they started accusing me of being under the influence of marijuana. To make a long story short; the took me to jail for being under the influence of marijuana; took a blood and urine sample; before the trial they dropped the charges due to the results being lost by the techs.

To All wrote on Sep 26, 2008 4:58 PM:Remember... You do not get arrested for driving while intoxicatted, you get arrested for being under the influence.

Influence is that your ability to safely operate a motor vehicle is IMPAIRED... ergo driving under the influence, not intoxicated.

Driving Instructor wrote on Sep 26, 2008 6:17 PM:A reply to: To All.

Thank you. I couldn't have worded it better myself.

Im with Greg too wrote on Sep 26, 2008 6:19 PM:Get the loser drunks and Illegals off the road!!! One fell swoop!

Driving Instructor wrote on Sep 26, 2008 6:26 PM:Me feel like a jackass? Nope, not at all. Contrary, the term fits nicely to anyone willing to risk drinking and driving, no matter the alcohol consumption. If you spent 12 hours at the station, well what can I say? GOOD! I hope you learned your lesson. At least during that time, you didn't have a chance to hurt an innocent person on the roadway by the choice you made.

Where wrote on Sep 26, 2008 8:12 PM:Is the drunk cop who crashed and hurt people?....Is he out arresting drunks?... That would be pretty hypocritical.

Dennis wrote on Sep 27, 2008 12:20 AM:Go Greg!! but a better time is 5:30 am till about 8:00 am any Escondido street will Do !! Round them up !! Head them Out !!

MADD wrote on Sep 27, 2008 2:20 AM:My father was killed by a drunk driver so I know firsthand the damage that can be caused by someone who's "only had a few drinks." ANY alcohol consumption impairs a driver regardless if you've had one or ten glasses of wine. Personally, I find it galling that people are still selfish enough to risk the lives of those around them by drinking and driving.

To Where wrote on Sep 27, 2008 4:43 AM:The drunk cop who crashed did not hurt anyone other than himself. His passenger was scratched, that was it. He's going to pay his fine just like everyone else and suffer the sanctions just like anyone else. He will also, one day, make DUI arrests. Why? Because he doesn't make the laws, the people of the state of california make the laws. He is paid to enforce them. His wrong doing doesn't make it right for anyone else to do it. It's not hypocrisy because he's not the one saying you can't do it, the people of the state are saying it. He's simply the medium to fulfill their wishes. A cop doesn't make laws.

No One wrote on Sep 27, 2008 7:29 AM:I also was pulled over (going five mile an hour over the speed limit) after having a couple of beers. Spent an hour of so passing field sobriety test. I admitted to having the couple of beers. I told the officer I was on my way to see my father who had just flown in. So the kind officer decided I should be put in handcuffs, vehicle impounded, and brought me into Vista. Once there I was given a choice of breath, urine, or blood test. I chose breath (figured it would be quick so I could be released and let my father who was waiting for me know that I was alright). First breath test didn't even register, second one came up 0.02. Ok now they want urine (seems another cop standing there doing nothing but talking about all the overtime he was getting decided I must be on drugs). So I pee in the cup and the first officer takes the lid which had a bunch of white powder in it and pours it in the urine. Jokingly saying "oh don't worry it's not cocaine" I figured allright I passed the test they got my urine now I can get out of hear and get ahold of my dad. Nope, took all my belongings stuck me in a cell with a phone that didn't work. Some guy stole my shoes where they first bring you in. Another cop jokingly "imagine that a thief in jail" bunch of funny guys they are. Then they stuck me in the mod where they had in phone but couldn't get to it till the next morning. Anyway finally got out (after two days)spent a couple thousand dollars and charged me with speeding.
Unreal!
True story.

Jaque wrote on Sep 27, 2008 7:51 AM:I see the puritans are out in force. People who act like adults and have a couple of drinks with friends and family, at a restaurant or other, shame on you! Cops abusing people's inherent rights? Well, you deserve it anyway, because you'll probably be guilty another sometime or another. Save me from you evil mongers!

Whatever people, get a life. Spare us the holier than thou drama, and let adults be adults. If someone is drunk, then arrest them. If someone is passes a breathalizer, let them go. Everybody is "impaired" when confronted with police, so ease off goodie-two-shoes. And don't tell me how your cousins wife's sister's best friend was killed by a drunk driver 16 years ago. We have plenty of punitive laws/penalties on the books for DRUNK driving, gov't sanctioned "check points" so I think we are "safe" from the bad guys without having to violate our freedoms much more.

Better idea wrote on Sep 27, 2008 8:02 AM:They should put up a DUI checkpoint in the parking lot of the police station. Sounds like they may grap up a few cops!

Johny On The Spot wrote on Sep 27, 2008 8:05 AM:I cannot believe these stories from people who say they were harassed, arrested and made to spend the night in jail for driving NOT drunk.

Just blows me away...

A "cop's judgement" varies from person to person and that is why we have tests. One officers "opinion" is going to vary greatly from another's.

So this means that if you have one beer, there are some cops who will arrest you and some who will not. I thought there were tests to make it so this kind of thing does not happen.

My wife and I stay in any more after dark. We do not drink and drive and we do not like to risk running into someone who does.

Now we have another reason to not go out. Cannot imagine spending the night in the drunk tank for having a beer with friends...

Early Morning Reader wrote on Sep 27, 2008 8:24 AM:Hopefully, the NCT will publish the results of the check point.

DUI Program Counselor wrote on Sep 27, 2008 8:32 AM:Nice little tidbit about DUI (since I deal with DUI offenders 40 hours a week!). The statute is: Vehicle Code 23152 (a)(b). The (a) subsection allows for being "under the influence" of ANY DRUG-including alcohol-with NO IMPAIRMENT LEVEL SPECIFIED! So nicotine, CAFFINE, and aspirin would qualify! The (b) subsection is the ".08" on ALCOHOL ONLY-a measurement you have to WORK UP TO! It is easier to get a DUI under the "a" subsection then the "b" one, but 90% of DUI arrests, and convictions are for the "b", and not the "a"! Best advice: DRIVE SOBER! PERIOD!

wrongfully stopped wrote on Sep 27, 2008 9:17 AM:Thanks, Johnny on the Spot. That was my point in posting my story. Not to look for sympathy, but to let everyone know that there is really no law about Blood Alcohol Levels, we are forced to succomb to the disrection of some real jerks out there. And I am not saying all cops are jerks. Its just that maybe one of them had a bad day and has the right to take his bad day out on you, instead of his wife, he can't be arrested for harassing you the driver, thats his job and right. But if he goes home and talks to his wife the way he talked to me, he would probably have been served with court papers the very next day. My point is made, I believe.

Jaque to Johnny wrote on Sep 27, 2008 9:26 AM:Yep Johnny, stay home. Stay scared for the rest of your life. Watch out for that thing they call a shadow, it will follow you if you have your window shades open during the day!

Bill wrote on Sep 27, 2008 9:39 AM:Has anyone seen how many people have been ticketed for talking on cell phones while driving since July in this county?

Bill wrote on Sep 27, 2008 9:49 AM:Most people don't know how to drive sober! Why is that? Why have I seen the people at the DMV telling a person who just flunked the test that no, the answer to question 5 is B? You really want someone who doesn't know the laws on the road?

Would you like your surgeon, while performing open heart surgery on you to be talking on the phone, reading a map, putting on makeup, or shaving?

You see, this surgeon can only kill one person at a time, yet you, while driving like someone without a clue can kill many, many people, all at once.

Maybe the government can do something about this, in between giving someone else's money to their buddies. But then, I'm sure they'd say...it's a state problem!

Bill wrote on Sep 27, 2008 9:50 AM:And by the way wrongfully stopped, it's against the law to not have a front plate in the state of California, so how were you wrongfully stopped?

Jaque to Bill wrote on Sep 27, 2008 10:20 AM:Your obedience is noble, but come on, comparing a surgeon and somebody (millions) driving after a glass or wine or two is benighted at best.

JSten wrote on Sep 27, 2008 11:34 AM:I admit to being confused sometimes: when you call 911 on your cell phone, does this mean that I too am breaking the law if I am driving?

Also, I remember some time ago calling 911 to report a reckless driver. I got a recorded message asking if this was an Emergency. I didn't consider it an emergency in the sense that I understand it. Doe CHP and 911 consider a drunk or reckless driver the same as an actual wreck, or some other crime or emergency that has happened?

Finally, I am unsure why the phones should lock up when 911 is called. When that happens i have to go to the manual to learn how to reset it (again).

All of the above just makes me want to say to heck with it. It seems like they (CHP and Sheriffs, and the phone system) don't really want to hear about drunks or reckless drivers, they just want look like its important and wait for the real emergencies, like accidents caused by drunks or reckless drivers. Now thats something you can sink your cruiser into.

Prove to me that I am wrong.

How many drunks or reckless drivers have been been intercepted due to callers?

JSten wrote on Sep 27, 2008 11:40 AM:I bet the holier than thou of us here probably think its OK to drive 80 to 90 on the freeways, and 60 to 70 on the streets, just because they are sober.

There are a lot of sober dangerous people out there, you can see them at 7:00 am on any weekday morning.

wrongfully stopped wrote on Sep 27, 2008 12:18 PM:I am a aware, now, of the front license plate violation. It was in my trunk, I offered to tape it on so that I could drive my car home. I was told no. When I bought my car there were no holes drilled in the front for a license plate. The next morning when I got a ride to my car, I brought a screwdriver and made my own holes before I even started my engine. I drove my car home with the front plate safely secured. I do follow the law.

I was not wrongfully stopped for that, but I was not cited for that either. And after I spoke with the chief a few days later, there was no record of my stop at all. I wonder what that was all about. I guess the proper way of stating the wrongful part of my stop was the "assumed" alcohol limit accusation. Thank you for correcting me.

wrongfully stopped wrote on Sep 27, 2008 12:41 PM:The checkpoint was at the intersection of O'side Blvd. and Vine. There were 9 arrests.

Driving Instructor wrote on Sep 27, 2008 9:59 PM:Jsten, finally... someone with some brains who's holding down fort on the other side of the debate! Now that I like! You're one smart cracker... Yes-sir-eee! You're on to us! Dang, we've been discovered. Heck, I can travel 135 MPH shooting down the freeway, while driving with my knees, yacking on my cell phone, eating some breakfast cereal, smoking a joint (hey it's a little one... wont hurt anybody, right?), cussing out--honking my horn--flipping off slow poke drivers going 80, reading the latest tabloid and digging up the dirt on Britney Spears, while bumping Britney Spears on the CD player, checking where I'm going on the satellite map, and smacking the passengers in the back seat who just can't shut their traps. They constantly complain about how scared they are. YEP! I'm talented alright! But hey, at least I'm sober! OoOoOps! Maybe not! Forgot about the little matter regarding the joint. But then again, aye at least I ainnnnt boozin' baby! You want to know the big surprise? I'm making a killing teaching children how to drive! Thatttttttts driver ed at its finest.

Now, putting sarcasm aside here... Making wise choices and smart decisions does not equate to being holier-than-thou. Neither does a person who knows the potential outcome to an action. Those are folks who actually have some brains and know how to use them. Not to mention, some folks actually DID pay attention to what their driver education instructor taught them. On the other hand, a self righteous, imbecilic, pompous, territorial on the road, legend in their own mind --jackass who takes even a few swigs of booze thinking he/she can handle it? Yep, they can't get any more holier-than-thou. One a good note, not all of my kind are old stinky growling stuffed shirts, enjoying the effervescence, and feeding off the fears of an inexperienced student driver. Some of us actually DO give a ratts-butt! In closing, any idiot who makes a stupid choice and willing to put other's lives in danger no matter the action are just that... Holier-Than-Thou- Idiots! Take that to the fast lane! Please don't crash into the center divider. CHP doesn't enjoy cleaning up the mess.

Driving Instructor wrote on Sep 27, 2008 10:00 PM:To: Early Morning Reader:

Yes, that would be nice. :)

Driving Instructor wrote on Sep 27, 2008 10:11 PM:To Jaque:

Bill is right in his comparison. Example: One simple little drink of alcohol, and even over the counter medications can slow our reflexes and reaction time.

Given the volume of traffic on most Southern California freeways, maybe throw in a good morning fog bank, knuckle-headed drivers zipping in and out of traffic in a hurry, distracted drivers... on and on and on.... cannot forget the person who figured one can of beer for breakfast (I see them every morning at the local convenience store) is just a fine a beverage as any.... Yep! What Bill said can happen. Sadly, it has indeed happened. :'(

Greg in Oceanside wrote on Sep 28, 2008 11:19 AM:Ok, we've had the checkpoint, will the NCT print any of the results? (I see a 'post' that states there were 9 arrests, but have these been verified?)

esteban wrote on Sep 29, 2008 8:37 AM:AHAHAHAAAAAA "wrongfully stopped"!!!!! Poor, oppressed you. You were RIGHTFULLY stopped and the cop was right to suspect impaired driving. You can be a .01% BAC and STILL get a DUI. See there are two sections to the DUI offense. One, driving while impaired (no BAC required). That could be drugs, meds...etc. You could also have one drink and be impaired if you're a lightweight. The 2nd part is the above .08% BAC. YOu were fortunate enough that you weren't arrested. Stop with the conspiracy stuff. Now go back to knitting.

Silly wrote on Sep 29, 2008 8:44 AM:I think its a little ridiculous to compare drinking 1 glass of wine to drinking 10 of them. I understand that having only one may impair judgement or reaction time while driving(for some people at least), but having 10x that amount would have you passed out on the floor, so give me a break.

Jaque wrote on Sep 29, 2008 9:19 AM:Thanks Silly. And driving instructor, even a hard day at work can slow our reflexes and reaction time, so maybe we shouldn't work and drive. Absolutist arguments such as yours are what eventually deprives the rest of us the option of responsibility and notion of being an adult. Anyway, we've seen your kind in all kinds of movies. "Driving instructor?"