D-M Security Forces working to keep roads safe from impaired drivers

  • Published
  • By 355th Security Forces Squadron
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Davis-Monthan personnel may be stopped at sobriety checkpoints here this weekend through Labor Day weekend. .

The 355th Security Forces squadron will institute sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. in support of the 101 Critical Days of Summer and the 2009 "You Drink & Drive. You Lose." campaign. 

Impaired driving is one of America's most frequently committed and deadliest crimes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 2006, 17,602 people died in alcohol-related highway crashes, of which 86 percent or 15,121 of these deaths involved a vehicle operator with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher.

"In 2007, there were 286 alcohol-related fatalities in Arizona, which could have been prevented," said Maj. Boyd Hodges, 355th Security Forces commander. "In an effort to reduce impaired driving, law enforcement agencies across the state are conducting sustained enforcement activities throughout Arizona for the remainder of the year."

High Visibility Enforcement efforts such as sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols provide security forces with effective opportunities to deter and remove impaired drivers from D-M roadways.

Well-publicized sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols educate the driving public that breaking traffic laws is a serious problem and that violators will be punished, and they can reduce alcohol-related incidents and fatalities by up to 20 percent.

Sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols are generally conducted on weekend nights and holidays at locations where impaired driving incidents and vehicle accidents have previously occurred. However, sobriety checkpoints and saturation/roving patrols can take place anywhere, at any time.

Driving impaired or riding with someone who is impaired is not worth the risk. The consequences are serious. Not only do you risk your life and the lives of others, but also the trauma and financial cost incurred from a crash or arrest can be significant. Violators face increased insurance rates, fines, suspension of driver's license, and jail time. Active duty military also face possible loss of rank, pay, and possible discharge.

While the number of impaired driving fatalities has decreased slightly in recent years, there is still a lot that needs to be done. According to NHTSA, about 3 in every 10 Americans will be involved in an impaired driving crash at some point in their lives.

"The time and energy that my patrolmen and gate guards dedicate to these highly-visible and ultra-effective enforcement programs will not be wasted," said Major Hodges. "If you are driving while impaired, you will likely be caught, arrested and prosecuted."

To learn how you can help your community stop impaired driving, visit www.StopImpairedDriving.org.