Low-Manpower Checkpoints: Can They Provide Effective DUI Enforcement in Small Communities?

Objective. Sobriety checkpoints can be effective in reducing alcohol-impaired driving. Checkpoints are underutilized, however, partially because police believe a large number of officers are required. This study evaluated the feasibility and impact of conducting small-scale checkpoints in rural communities.

Methods. Law enforcement agencies in two counties agreed to conduct weekly checkpoints for one year. Two nonadjacent counties did not undertake additional checkpoints. Evaluation included public-awareness surveys and roadside surveys (including blood alcohol concentration [BAC] measurements) of weekend nighttime drivers.

Results. Relative to drivers in the comparison counties, the proportion of drivers in the experimental counties with BACs >0.05% was 70% lower. Drivers surveyed at driver's license offices in the experimental counties after program implementation were more likely to report seeing or passing through a checkpoint and were more aware of publicity on driving under the influence (DUI) enforcement.

Conclusions. Small rural communities can safely and effectively conduct low-staff sobriety checkpoints on a weekly basis. Such programs can be expected to result in large reductions in drivers operating at higher BACs.

Keywords:

• Impaired Driving
• Checkpoints
• Enforcement
• Staffing
• Deterrence

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Law enforcement activities were partially funded by the West Virginia Governor's Highway Safety Program. Enforcement and field data-collection activities were coordinated by Retired Captain J.D. Meadows. This research was supported by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.