In collaboration with the Southern Arizona D.U.I. Task Force, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department intensified its D.U.I. enforcement efforts as part of the national “You Drink, You Drive, You Lose” campaign. In September 2005, after a ten year hiatus, the Sheriff’s Department reinstated the use of Sobriety Checkpoints to deter and remove impaired drivers from Pima County roadways. The Department operated its first sobriety checkpoint on September 3, 2005.

The locations of checkpoints are identified by their propensities for alcohol related collisions and recent fatal crashes. In conjunction with sobriety checkpoints, the Sheriff’s Department also utilizes saturation patrols in areas associated with high incidents of impaired drivers. Additional D.U.I. arrests are made by deputies conducting saturation patrols; these arrests are not included in the checkpoint statistics.

Between September and October 2005, the Sheriff’s Department has conducted 9 sobriety checkpoints in various areas around Pima County. Results from these checkpoints:

• 1,407 vehicles stopped
• 69 field sobriety tests were administered
• 10 D.U.I. arrests were made

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department is fully committed to removing impaired drivers from our roadways. Driving while impaired is the most frequently committed violent crime and costs thousands of lives every year. It is a completely preventable and inexcusable crime.

As a community, lets make our roads a safer place for everyone. If you are out enjoying a cocktail or drink, designate a driver who will not drink for the evening or call a taxicab for a ride home. Remember,

You Drink, You Drive, You Lose!