Sobriety Checkpoints

Law enforcement officers set up checkpoints and stop vehicles in a specific sequence (for example, every other car, every fifth car), as well as drivers who are obviously breaking traffic laws. Law-abiding drivers are sent on their way within minutes with average stop time lasting the length of a cycle at a stop light.

Research shows that the overwhelming majority of people arrested for drunk driving have driven drunk an average of 87 times before their first arrest.  Sobriety checkpoints help stop drunk drivers who would likely remain under the radar—and the publicity from checkpoints reminds people that drinking and driving don’t mix.

Be aware that the following ten states do not currently allow for sobriety checkpoints: Idaho, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Oregon, Rhode Island, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. In these states, you can volunteer and assist officers with DUI/DWI saturation patrols.

Students, Faculty-Staff, and Community Members

• The most important thing you can do if you live in one of the ten states that currently do not allow sobriety checkpoints, is to send an email to your legislators letting them know that you support sobriety checkpoints.
• If you live in a state where checkpoints are legal, contact your campus and community police to determine when and where checkpoints are being conducted.
• Ask how you can help assist law enforcement in their efforts, including distributing literature to drivers or even providing snacks to officers working the long shifts.
• Help publicize upcoming sobriety checkpoints on the campus and in the community -- an effective checkpoint catches will catch no one as people are alerted ahead of time and are obeying the law by not driving impaired.
  
• Stay in contact with the police to provide your support to their efforts.