A DUI sobriety checkpoint is scheduled for this weekend, beginning Friday, December 11, 2009. The operation will take place at an undisclosed location in Lee County as the Sheriff’s Office continues its commitment to getting impaired drivers off our roadways. This month’s checkpoint is held in conjunction with “Drunk and Drugged Driving (3D) Prevention Month”, a statewide education and traffic safety initiative. Checkpoint emphasis is placed on the following:

1. Remove impaired drivers from the roadway.

2. Reduce the likelihood impaired drivers will operate their vehicles on our roadways.

3. Heighten awareness.

4. Educate the public on the dangers of drunk driving.

Motorists are reminded it is a crime to mix alcohol, drugs and driving. Persons are encouraged to avoid the risk of driving if they find it hard to determine if they have consumed too many alcoholic beverages. While it may take several drinks for someone to become legally impaired, impairment begins with the first drink.

Remember, too, impaired driving is not a victimless crime. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, about a third of the 77 fatalities in Lee County last year were alcohol related. “Although less than the statewide average of 44%, the loss of 24 lives and 464 injuries as the result of drinking and driving in Lee County is too much,” said Lee County Sheriff Mike Scott. “Rest assured, during this holiday season, deputies will be focused on DUI enforcement,” he said.

Daily enforcement, sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols by deputies with the Sheriff’s Office are a part of on-going efforts to curb traffic fatalities, injuries and crashes in Lee County. Likewise, motorists are encouraged to exercise good judgment. Those who intend to drink should make arrangements to get home safely. If you plan to go to a party where alcohol will be served, select a designated driver ahead of time or make other arrangements such as a taxi. Another option is to pay close attention to local media as they routinely recognize organizations who offer “free rides” as an alternative service.

Other tips for the holidays include:

– A “Designated Driver” is not the “Least Impaired Driver.” Those serving should remember not to offer an alcoholic beverage to a designated driver;

– Promptly report drunk drivers you see on the roadways to law enforcement, in Lee County dial 9-1-1;

– Wearing your safety belt while in a car or using a helmet and protective gear when on a motorcycle is your best defense against an impaired driver;

– “Friends Don’t Let Friends Drive Drunk.” If you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.

Source: Lee County Sheriff’s Department