What Exactly Are DUI Checkpoints And Why Are They Needed?
The need to contact a Las Vegas DUI Attorney is always prompted by a momentary lapse in good judgment that can be prevented. There are many ways that a person can plan ahead when they are planning to party and know they will be having a drink or two and should not be behind the wheel of a car. But in the state of Nevada, as in every other state, there are those folks who believe they will not get caught even if they are driving while in an impaired condition. It is always a good idea to call a Las Vegas DUI Lawyer when his services are needed but it is even better not to be in that awkward position. Law enforcement agencies are doing their best to prevent accidents by policing the roads as effectively as possible but it is impossible to extend that policing to every vehicle. Consequently, there are many people driving at any given time that are in an inebriated condition and they are a hazard to other drivers.
Police agencies have discovered that a key means to identify impaired drivers is by setting up what is called a checkpoint at designated locations and at certain pre-determined hours. Several police cars will park in such a way as to produce a blockade result so they can stop vehicles at random to question drivers if they have had anything to drink before operating their motor vehicle. If an odor of alcohol is detected they then will ask the driver to step out of the car and perform some simple exercises to determine if they are capable of physically and mentally handling the challenge of operating the car. There is a standardized test that is given and it often will alert officers to a person who is not in a fit state to be driving. Incidentally, many times during these traffic stops officers will discover illegal drugs are present in the car and that is also a very real danger to other drivers when consumed.
Officers have found that there are definite seasons when these checkpoints are most needed. A few of these times consist of:
• Super Bowl Sunday
• Memorial Day weekend
• Fourth of July weekend
• Labor Day weekend
In addition to these specific times, there are quite a few events that set the stage for people to party and drive. It is frequently a great enticement for young people to experiment with alcohol on the occasion of their high school prom. Sadly, there are many accidents that occur as a result of these inexperienced drinkers who take crazy chances that they will not get caught by law enforcement or get hurt or injured because of this unwise behavior.
Another prime time for the occasion of drinking and driving is any time around the Christmas holidays. Many people enjoy having company during this time and will frequently have visitors over for food and drinks. A considerate hostess that genuinely cares about her guests will have a large supply of non-alcoholic drink choices as well as alcoholic ones. And it goes without saying that a host should never let anyone who has had too much to drink leave the party to drive home.