Roadblocks scheduled this weekend
Troopers will be gunning for drunk drivers this weekend as sobriety checkpoints are planned around Warren County, each targeting people who are behind the wheel under the influence.
The roadblocks, announced for Friday and Saturday, will be held on state highways around the county and also on Yager Road. The exact time and places for the checkpoints have not been released.
According to Highway Patrol Lt. Randy F. Hoover, troopers will be actively seeking those drivers who are under the influence of any intoxicant. Motorists should also beware troopers will be issuing citations for any other moving violations they find during the stops, such as driving without a license, violation of light law, and other ticketable offenses.
The roadblocks, which are held in every county across the state, come in an attempt to discourage drunk driving. Recent state statistics show one in every four traffic fatalities are caused by drunk drivers.
Lawmen warn in addition to being dangerous, drunk driving can be costly. The average drunk driver, along with serving two days in jail, ends up paying $9,550 in fees, insurance increases, loss of licenser and court costs. First offense carries a mandatory minimum of 48 hours in jail, second offense 45 days minimum, third offense 120 days, and fourth offense and more, one year in prison.
The law now provides a person with a .08 or greater blood alcohol reading to be presumed under the influence. Failure to submit to a breath test is an automatic six month loss of license under implied consent.