The Colorado State Patrol will join forces with the Archuleta County Sheriff’s Office to conduct a sobriety checkpoint on Saturday, Oct. 17, through the early morning hours on Sunday, Oct. 18.
Checkpoint locations are chosen based on DUI crash and arrest history. One in three fatal vehicle crashes in Colorado involves an impaired driver.
The primary purpose of checkpoints is not to make arrests, but to promote public safety by discouraging motorists from driving impaired. Through high-visibility, responsible-driving enforcement events, troopers will also address those who make the poor decision to drive while intoxicated. During the checkpoint, troopers and officers will look for signs that drivers are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
Archuleta County checkpoint: U.S. 160 near Trinity Lane.
The Colorado State Patrol reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. Always follow directions for use and read warning labels about driving or operating “heavy machinery,” which includes driving a vehicle. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is also illegal. If you plan on drinking, taking medications, or using impairing substances that may impact your ability to drive safely, plan on staying at home or making a plan for a rideshare, public transportation or a designated driver.
If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact the Colorado State Patrol at *CSP (*277). Drivers who are caught driving impaired can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to include jail time, fines, fees, DUI classes and other expenses that can exceed $13,000, not to mention the social consequences when friends, family, colleagues and employers find out.
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