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Sobriety checkpoints are a simple concept, but a highly controversial practice. Law enforcement and government officials are determined to reduce the number of drunken driving accidents in America; however, their means of doing so are often considered a violation of a person’s right to privacy.
Statistics
Drunk driving is a serious problem in America that is responsible for thousands of deaths each year. Statistics on alcohol related accidents are startling.
oThere were 11,773 drunk driving deaths in 2008
oThese deaths accounted for 32% of the total amount of United States deaths in 2008
oDrunk driving claimed the lives of 1,347 child occupants, and another 34 children pedestrians or bikers
What Is A Sobriety Checkpoint?
On nights when drunk driving is more likely to occur (such as on the weekends, New Year’s Eve, etc.), law enforcement sets up mandatory checkpoints on highly trafficked roads. At this checkpoint, each driver’s BAC is checked to determine if they are driving over the legal limit. If they are determined to have more than.08, they are immediately incarcerated and charged with a DUI. If not, they are allowed to proceed on their way.
Controversy
It is important to note that sobriety checkpoints are only legal in certain states, and, in states that do allow them, there is quite a bit of controversy.
Many people argue that monitoring drivers’ BAC levels en masse is a violation of privacy. In all states, it is illegal to pull over a vehicle without a reason; however, checkpoints allow this to happen on a much larger scale. Additionally, opponents argue that they are a means of making money for the state, not ensuring the safety of others, because DUIs are more costly than they are effective at deterring intoxicated driving.
The opposing side argues, however, that the number of lives that sobriety checkpoints save nullifies the privacy argument. In order to protect society from intoxicated drivers, certain compromises must be made. Furthermore, they argue that if you are abiding the law, a sobriety checkpoint is no big deal.
Other Methods
Other methods of reducing drinking and driving, include: breathalyzers, motor skills tests, and eye movement tests. While many of these practices are controversial, as well, they are federally recognized as an effective means of determining whether or not a person is intoxicated.
For more information on sobriety checkpoints or DUI related offenses, contact the Rhode Island DUI lawyers of James Powderly
Joseph Devine