Drivers beware

Monday, November 16, 2009

PUTNAM COUNTY -- Indiana State Police will be conducting a DUI checkpoint in Putnam County on Friday. Officers will be looking for intoxicated, impaired and underage drinking drivers. The checkpoint will be operating late Friday evening and early Saturday morning.

To expedite the time involved if you are stopped at the checkpoint, drivers are asked to have their driver's license and registration ready to present to the officer. If no violations or impairment is detected by the officer, motorists should only be delayed a few minutes. Additionally, officers will be conducting saturation patrols in the area to observe for impaired motorists attempting to avoid the checkpoint.

To help to ensure your weekend is safe and enjoyable, observe the following tips:

* Plan ahead and always use a designated driver.

* Don't get behind the wheel of a vehicle if you've been consuming alcoholic beverages; call a taxi, a family member or friend who has not been drinking to give you a ride.

* If you are hosting a party, always offer alcohol-free beverages and make sure all of your guests leave with a sober driver or allow them to spend the night.

* Remember, Friends Don't Let Friends Drive Drunk. Take the keys and never let a friend leave your sight if you think they are about to drive while impaired.

To report an impaired driver, contact your local law enforcement agency or dial 911. Reports can be made anonymously.

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  • I don't think that "Drivers Beware" is an appropriate title. It makes it sound as if the drunk drivers are not at fault.

    -- Posted by Nick | Nack on Mon, Nov 16, 2009, at 11:07 AM
  • Is it a law that this information has to be disclosed to the public? Wouldn't more intoxicated drivers be caught if there wasn't a "heads up" given?

    -- Posted by just a local on Mon, Nov 16, 2009, at 11:40 AM
  • I think there has ever been any shortage of drunk drivers. On these announced checpoints, a lot people get caught trying to avoid them.

    -- Posted by Xgamer on Mon, Nov 16, 2009, at 1:59 PM
  • I think the only thing stupider than telling drunken drivers where you are going to be, is the Drunk getting busted there.

    guess it's no worse calling someone and telling them their home will be raided the same night.

    -- Posted by Sand mann on Mon, Nov 16, 2009, at 3:23 PM
  • First of all sandman, they didn't specify where they would be at. Umad, the legality of these checkpoints is to keep people from killing other people like a member of your family. It has been a very good deterent, if anything to make people think a little more about driving drunk and going to jail. The main thing overall, it is a crime to get behind the wheel of a car when you are impaired and if you don't do it then you have nothing to worry about. It amazes me all the lawyers we have making posts here.

    -- Posted by magoo55 on Tue, Nov 17, 2009, at 10:52 AM
  • "Checkpoints" are illegal and Unconstitutional.

    -- Posted by Harmony Church on Wed, Nov 18, 2009, at 7:43 AM
  • Apparently the Courts don't feel the same as you Harmony Church.

    -- Posted by Nick | Nack on Wed, Nov 18, 2009, at 2:20 PM
  • Perhaps it makes them legal when they are announced in advance. It's possible that in the past, some attorney proved that his client would not have attempted to drink and drive if he knew of any checkpoints ahead of time.

    I'm not saying this is fact, but it would shed lome light on why they announce it.

    -- Posted by Xgamer on Wed, Nov 18, 2009, at 7:59 PM
  • Why do they advertise checkpoints for impaired drivers??? This won't deter the true impaired drivers they will just stick to the backroads. This is nothing but a ploy for the police to stick there noses in our businesses. There are up to more then checking DUIs, they want to run your infromation and see who you are. This is just another way the Putnam county and the rest of the country of stripping your rights!!!

    -- Posted by 1stamendrights on Tue, Nov 24, 2009, at 2:44 PM
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