By Finley Sellers
Executive Opinion Editor
and Isabel Lee
Opinion Editor
There’s no denying that the modern world is fast-paced, and, with it, the conveniences of driving have become a given. From running errands to heading to social gatherings, we rely on our vehicles for almost everything. Unfortunately, this privilege, especially in LA, has enabled the prevalence of drunk driving, which very commonly results in tragedy.
Every year, thousands of people die in accidents involving impaired drivers, and more are seriously injured. In the past four months, two seniors from Manhattan Beach have tragically lost their lives on the thoroughfare to the despicable and careless acts of people driving recklessly or under the influence. Manhattan Beach’s most recent fatality was the result of a drunk driver traveling 80 mph down Sepulveda boulevard, returning from BeachLife festival in Redondo.
You’d think after two fatalities in such close proximity, the city of Manhattan Beach would pay closer attention to this crisis. Yet, the lack of DUI checkpoints on main roads says otherwise. Given the recent events that continue to exemplify the tragic consequences of drunk driving, it’s clear that precautions like checkpoints are crucial in reducing the chance and severity of alcohol-related accidents.
To understand why DUI checkpoints are important, it’s necessary to acknowledge the gravity of the situation. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 30 people in the United States die every day in alcohol-related crashes—that’s one person every 50 minutes. In 2020 alone, there were 11,654 alcohol-impaired driving fatalities. These staggering numbers are evidence of the sad reality of how many lives are lost or irrevocably altered by a decision that could have been avoided.
What makes drunk driving even more concerning is the fact that it is a preventable crime. Unlike many other reasons for accidents on the road, alcohol directly impairs one’s vision, judgment, reaction times, and coordination. Yet, despite knowing the dangers, people continue to get behind the wheel while intoxicated, putting themselves and others in serious danger.
While they may seem inconvenient to rule-abiding citizens, DUI checkpoints serve as a visible deterrent to those who may consider driving under the influence. When people are aware that law enforcement is actively looking for impaired drivers, they are more likely to make more responsible decisions, whether it’s designating a sober driver, calling an uber, or simply staying off the road altogether. These decisions are what keep people safe.
Numerous studies have shown that DUI checkpoints reduce alcohol-related crashes and fatalities. Research conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has indicated that areas with frequent DUI checkpoints have a significantly lower incidence of impaired driving accidents. The mere presence of these checkpoints forces potential drunk drivers to rethink their choices. Even if they don’t encounter a checkpoint, the fear of being caught and facing legal consequences can lead to more responsible behavior. Opponents of DUI checkpoints often cite concerns about privacy and the potential for racial profiling. While these concerns are not entirely without merit, the overall benefits of DUI checkpoints far outweigh the inconveniences that drivers have to deal with.
The reality our community has recently seen is that drunk driving is a public health crisis, and every life lost or altered by this preventable crime is a tragedy.
South Bay citizens have a collective responsibility to protect one another on the road. When a person chooses to drive under the influence, they are not only putting their own life at risk but also endangering the lives of innocent drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. A DUI checkpoint serves as a reminder that we all share the road and must act responsibly to ensure everyone’s safety.
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