On Friday, Oct. 12, the North Dakota Highway Patrol, Dickinson Police Department, and Stark County Sheriff’s Office conducted a sobriety checkpoint at 30th Ave W and 19th St W, north of exit 59 in Dickinson. One hundred thirty-seven vehicles went through the checkpoint, 3 individuals were tested for impairment, but no arrests were made.
The checkpoint was followed by an alcohol saturation patrol held throughout the weekend. During the saturation patrol, 29 citations and 48 warnings were issued. There were 5 arrests for DUI; three citations issued for driving under suspension; one for minor in consumption; one juvenile was cited for possession of tobacco; two open container citations and one overload citation were also issued.
The primary purpose of the sobriety checkpoint and saturation patrol was to heighten awareness and to deter citizens from choosing to drink and drive. Impaired driving and impaired-driving related motor vehicle crashes continue to be a major threat to the safety and well-being of the motoring public throughout North Dakota. Through Oct. 11 of this year, there have been 76 fatal crashes on North Dakota roads resulting in 83 fatalities. Twenty-one, or 27.6%, of these fatal crashes were alcohol-related.