By Lookout Staff

December 22, 2009 -- Two drunk drivers were nabbed this weekend at a checkpoint next to the Civic Center, police announced Monday.

The two drivers were among the 224 screened at the checkpoint established on the 300 block of Pico Boulevard between 8 p.m. Friday and 12:30 a.m. Saturday, police said.

Ten citations -- five for unlicensed driver and five for various vehicle code violations-- also were handed out, said Jay Trisler, the Police Department spokesman. The five unlicensed drivers had their vehicles towed.

Police said that 978 vehicles drove through the westbound checkpoint.

Funding was provided by a grant from the Office of Traffic Safety, through the national Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The checkpoint was the first of several to be conducted over the next 12 months.

Since 2005, the number of alcohol involved fatalities has been dropping, thanks to efforts like this, authorities said. But law enforcement and the public must continue to work toward zero deaths.

“But everyone can help make their communities safer. If you see a drunk driver – call 9-1-1,” Murphy said..