Santee drivers should be aware that a DUI checkpoint is scheduled for this Saturday evening, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Office.

The checkpoint will run from 6:00 p.m. Saturday, March 7, through 2:00 a.m. Sunday at an undisclosed location within the city. During the operation, deputies will screen drivers for signs of impairment from alcohol or drugs.

Checkpoint locations are selected using data on crashes linked to impaired driving, officials said. The primary goal is to deter impaired driving and improve public safety on Santee streets.

Drivers stopped at the checkpoint who show signs of impairment will be subject to field sobriety testing. First-time DUI convictions in California carry an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, along with a suspended license.

Funding for the checkpoint was provided through a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Source: San Diego County Sheriff's Office via Patch.com