MEDIA RELEASE: April 7, 2008
FROM: The Kansas Highway Patrol
CONTACT: LT Mike Thweat (620) 431-2100
LT Chuck Yokley (620) 431-2100
KHP Announces Sobriety Checkpoint in Fort Scott Area
The Kansas Highway Patrol, Fort Scott Police Department, and Bourbon County Sheriffs Department are planning to conduct a Sobriety Checkpoint the weekend of April 12, 2008 in the Ft. Scott area.
A Sobriety Checkpoint intended to remove impaired drivers will be set up in the Ft. Scott area. "The purpose of these checkpoints," according to a Highway Patrol spokesperson, "is not to harass motorists, but to decrease accidents through awareness and enforcement."
These checkpoints are aimed at reducing the high accident rates by identifying impaired drivers. The goal of this checkpoint is to encourage compliance with the alcohol related statutes of this state, by removing the drivers that are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
Each year, about 16,000 persons are killed in alcohol related traffic crashes, averaging one alcohol-related fatality every 33 minutes. These deaths constitute approximately 38% of the total traffic fatalities.
Traffic crashes are the greatest single cause of death for every age from six through 28. Almost half of these are alcohol-related.
The proportion of fatal crashes that are alcohol related is about three times greater at night than during the day.
A public opinion survey (MADD 2004) showed that 87% of Americans support the use of checkpoints to check for drivers who have been drinking. Checkpoints are an effective tool to combat the impaired driving problem, and an effective way to check for and promote safety belt and child restraint use.
We appreciate the patience and cooperation from all citizens involved with the checkpoint.
For more information, please contact: Lt. Mike Thweatt or Lt. Chuck Yokley at Kansas Highway Patrol, Troop H Headquarters, 301 W. 14th Street Chanute, Ks. 66720 or phone (620) 431-2100.