Upcoming DUI Checkpoint
If you are like me, you get a lot of your ‘current events’ news from the most reliable source out there: social media. Where else can you go for the latest Hollywood gossip followed immediately by a post from your grandmother telling the world about her disdain for marshmallows on sweet potatoes? Social media can be useful in many cases when it comes to sharing important information. For example, earlier this week, The Harford County Sheriff’s Office posted a notification about an upcoming DUI checkpoint. The Traffic Unit is hosting the event on Friday, May 24th. Let’s take a few moments to talk about what to do if you happen to bump into us Friday night (not literally I hope).
The two main questions I get when it comes to a DUI checkpoint are, ‘is this legal’ , and ‘what do I do if I see a DUI checkpoint up ahead?’ Let’s look at these one at a time.
Is this legal? – The federal courts have determined that DUI checkpoints are perfectly as long as the participating agency follows a few simple rules. Rule number 1: The public must be notified of the checkpoint ahead of time. This explains the aforementioned social media post. Rule number 2: The checkpoint must be well identified. If you come through our checkpoint next week, you will get to see loads of lights and signs and notices before, in, and after the checkpoint. If you are unable to tell that our checkpoint is a checkpoint, it may be time for new glasses. Rule number 3: There must be an “out.” Drivers are not required to participate in a DUI checkpoint. There will always be at least one (and usually multiple) opportunities to turn off prior to entering the checkpoint. But honestly, why would you want to miss a chance at saying ‘hello’ to Traffic Sergeant Eaton?”
What do I do if I see a DUI checkpoint – The easy answer is, drive sober and you will have nothing to worry about. The focus of a DUI checkpoint is all about driver education. Deputies and allied partners set up an area of the roadway to stop motorists, quickly check for impairment and then send them on their way. You will be given an information flyer with resources and tips as it relates to drunk driving. Typically, a person stopped in a Dui checkpoint will be on their way again in about ten to fifteen seconds. In the cases where we do find an impaired driver, they are escorted safely off the road and asked to submit to further testing (that is a topic for a later #traffictiptuesday).
Just remember, even if you think a DUI checkpoint is an inconvenience, we are out there working hard to get dangerous drivers off the road. And, if you need someone to complain to, I am sure you can find some sympathetic souls online who will listen!
Until next week, slow down, pay attention, wear your seatbelt, and drive safely.
HCSO Main Line – 410.838.6600
Northern Precinct – 410.692.7880
Southern Precinct – 410.612.1717
HCSO Traffic Unit – 443.409.3324
traffictiptuesday@harfordsheriff.org