PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. - The Calvert County Sheriff's Office announced today that in an attempt to discourage impaired driving during the St. Patrick's Day weekend (March 10-11), they will be conducting DUI sobriety checkpoints at various locations throughout Calvert County.
The checkpoints are being funded via the "Checkpoint Strikeforce" program. The program is sponsored by the Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP). According to their website, WRAP is a "public-private coalition formed to fight drunk driving, drugged driving and underage drinking in the Washington-metropolitan area." In addition to funding checkpoints, WRAP also provides free cab rides home to those who might otherwise have been impaired drivers.
DUI Sobriety checkpoints are a tool used by law enforcement throughout Maryland where impaired driving has been prevalent and a significant contributing factor in serious and fatal injury vehicle crashes. The purpose of the sobriety checkpoints is to aid deputies in identifying and removing impaired drivers from the roadways. According to a prepared statement, the Sheriff's Office believes that "a substantial benefit will continue to be gained from the use of sobriety checkpoints. Increasing the impaired driver's perceived risk of detection may deter him or her from driving while under the influence or while impaired by alcohol or drugs."