You can expect to see more DWI checkpoints in the Triangle on the upcoming holiday weekends Fourth of July (July 4-6) and Labor Day (Aug. 29-Sept 1).
With so many people enjoying three-day weekends with family and friends it makes sense to see additional law enforcement initiatives to ensure everyone’s safety on the road. But it also includes safety on the state’s rivers and lakes.
This year DWI checkpoints will include locations at Upper Barton Creek at Falls Lake and Farrington Point at Jordan Lake. While the N.C. State Highway Patrol is responsible for state’s highways, it is the Wildlife Resources Commission who maintains the public safety on North Carolina’s waterways.
Along with the Alcohol Law Enforcement division who focuses on underage drinking, these agencies are combining forces once for the fourth year in a row. This will be the fourth year of the annual statewide campaign known as “On the Road, On the Water, Don’t Drink and Drive.”
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission will also participate in Operation Dry Water from Friday, June 27, to Sunday, June 29. Operation Dry Water is a nationwide campaign to build awareness of the dangers of boating under the influence of alcohol.
According to statistics, these holiday weekend task force initiatives seem to have had an impact. The News & Observer’s reports:
“Last Memorial Day, law enforcement in North Carolina reported 9,484 alcohol violations, the lowest in three years. That compares to 11,764 in 2011. The number of arrests dropped from 370 to 310 from 2012 to 2013.”
To help you become more aware of DWI checkpoints, Seth Blum, a seasoned Raleigh DWI lawyer with Kurtz & Blum, PLLC explains what you can expect.
Often the authorities that man a DWI checkpoint will include members from a variety of agencies. For instance, this might include Raleigh Police, Wake County Sherriff’s Office and the State Highway Patrol. Outside the city you might also see other police departments, members from the emergency services, the fire department and even local high school students. Therefore, it’s not unusual to see officers wearing different uniforms at one checkpoint.
Some checkpoints may also contain Breath Alcohol Test Mobile Units (aka BAT mobiles). These are 32-foot buses equipped with the necessary breath alcohol testing equipment.
The simple truth about these initiatives is that they may not result in a large number of DWI arrests, but always result in a ton of traffic-related charges such as no insurance, expired registration, expired inspection and operating a vehicle without a license.
There is a lot to learn about DWI checkpoints. If you’ve been charged with DWI please call a knowledgeable Raleigh DWI attorney with Kurtz & Blum, PLLC at 919-832-7700.
We may be able to help you out.
(Source: “NC authorities team up, prep for DWI checkpoints on land, water,” News & Observer, May 19, 2014)
