Cal Poly University Police Department (UPD) will set up a DUI and driver’s license checkpoint on campus Friday night as part of the countywide “Avoid the 14” campaign.
The checkpoint is designed to make people think twice before drinking and driving, UPD Commander Lori Hashim said.
“Our goal isn’t to arrest people,” Hashim said. “Our goal is to be visible.”
The visibility of the checkpoint alone helps to reduce drunken driving by making people think twice before getting behind the wheel, Hashim said.
UPD is keeping the location of the checkpoint secret until two hours before 7 p.m., when it starts. The location will be announced at 5 p.m. on Friday, though, to raise awareness about the risks of driving under the influence, Hashim said.
The checkpoint is part of a collective effort between all 14 law enforcement bodies in San Luis Obispo County, the 14 in “Avoid the 14.”
The experience has been mostly positive for students who have been stopped at UPD’s checkpoints in years past, Hashim said. Students are often grateful for the awareness, Hashim said.
“We get a lot of positive feedback from the students,” Hashim said.
Victoria Billings contributed to this article.