Sobriety checkpoint set for Friday into Saturday

Costa Mesa police have scheduled a sobriety checkpoint from 8 p.m. today until 2 a.m. Saturday on the on northbound side of Newport Boulevard at Flower Street.

The purpose of the checkpoint is to educate the public about the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol and driving without a valid license, police said.

In 2006 more than 1,000 intoxicated drivers were arrested on highways in Costa Mesa, police said.

The department has worked closely with Mothers Against Drunk Drivers and volunteers often help at checkpoints.

The group also provides a crashed car on a trailer to be displayed at checkpoints as a reminder of the consequences of choosing to drink and drive, police said.

The location was chosen based on its proximity to a number of local bars and restaurants and the street’s volume of traffic.

The area is also highly visible to motorists, police said.

— Kelly Strodl