Healthizm

During a crackdown on drunk drivers police may use the sobriety checkpoint as a way to take impaired drivers off the road.  During this all drivers may be stopped by the police without any suspicion being evident.  They may also be given DUI tests even though there is no probable cause.  These have involved quite a bit of controversy as the US Constitution states that this is against the rights of the people.  However the Supreme Court has stated that it is acceptable under certain circumstances. Currently ten states do not allow them as they say the violate the constitution and two states do not allow them even though they are not illegal.

DUI sobriety checkpoints are used to reduce the number of impaired drivers on the road.  They are usually set up on a temporary basis often during holiday periods when there are traditionally more drunk drivers on the road and usually late at night when statistics show most drunk drivers are on the road.  They are often heavily advertised to prevent fun seekers from even contemplating taking their vehicle on a night out.  At the checkpoint the police will use a system to stop certain cars or in fact stop ever car.

If they are suspicious that impairment exists then they may ask the driver to leave the vehicle and undertake specific tests.  These tests can include walking in a straight line, alphabet recital, touching nose etc.  They may also perform a breath alcohol test.  This helps to determine the amount of alcohol in the blood.  If it is above the legal limit then an arrest may be made.

Statistics have shown that these checkpoints are not effective and that 3 times as many people are convicted of DUI by roving police patrols out looking for suspicious drivers.  However the police state that it is just another way to get the message out that impaired driving will not be tolerated.

Information provided by Knoxville DUI attorney helping drivers with legal services.

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