NEWS RELEASE



For further information please contact:

Trooper Julie A. Scerine

314/340-4028

C010520

June 20, 2005



EMPHASIS: Patrol Announces DWI Checkpoints in St. Louis County





Captain Ronald S. Johnson, Commanding Officer of Troop C, announces that the Missouri State Highway Patrol will be conducting sobriety checkpoints in St. Louis County during the month of June. The locations of the checkpoints have been determined due to previous alcohol related incidents, high number of alcohol related contacts, and input by local troopers of the high probability of DWI offenders. The checkpoints will be conducted by the Missouri State Highway Patrol in cooperation with other area local law enforcement agencies, and will utilize the Highway Patrol’s B.A.T. van (Breath Alcohol Testing Vehicle).



“Driving while intoxicated continues to be a major contributing factor of traffic crashes on Missouri’s roadways. Sobriety checkpoints are an innovative means of detecting and removing the alcohol-impaired driver from the highways,” states Captain Johnson.



The patrol continues to enforce the zero tolerance policy when it comes to drinking and driving and encourages the public to report suspected drunk drivers by dialing *55 or 911 on their cell phones. Through the combined effort of the Highway Patrol, local law enforcement and the citizens of Missouri we can work together to reduce the number of traffic crashes and fatalities on Missouri’s roadways.