MUPD conducts DWI checkpoints

By Rachel Allred

Published Aug. 25, 2009

Correction appended

At random times throughout the year, law enforcement agencies conduct driving while intoxicated checkpoints in association with the "You Drink and Drive. You Lose." campaign, MU Police Department Capt. Brian Weimer said.

MUPD held a checkpoint from 11 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. last Friday on Hitt Street.

On Aug. 20, MUPD issued a news release stating there would be at least one DWI checkpoint between Aug. 20 and Aug. 30. It also stated the checkpoint would be held sometime between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. on or around campus.

People driving cars through the designated checkpoint area are stopped by police, who make sure nothing is in violation. Weimer also said one of the main purposes of the checkpoints is to raise awareness.

"They help make sure people are making wise choices with alcohol," Weimer said. "It meets the purpose of making them fully aware of the consequences."

At the checkpoint last Friday, MUPD made 14 arrests, nine of which were on suspicion of driving while intoxicated. The other arrests were for violations, such as a minor in possession of alcohol or driving without a license. Besides the arrests, four people received tickets.

Weimer said though the dates for this checkpoint were randomly chosen, the checkpoint happened at an ideal time.

"When I picked those dates, it was completely arbitrary," Weimer said. "One benefit was that with everyone coming back to school it sends the message that we take this seriously."

Freshman Emily Garvin saw the checkpoint in action as she waited for a shuttle and said checkpoints might hold some benefits.

"I think it will help decrease drunk driving," Garvin said. "I don't think it will eliminate it, but it will help people be more careful."

Weimer also said the checkpoints aren't designed just for students, but for the whole community.

"One half of the DWI arrests are students," Weimer said. "Even when the students leave, we still have arrests. We're trying to make the whole community safe. We're not just focusing on the students."

The "You Drink and Drive. You Lose." campaign spans nationwide. Other countries are implementing DWI checks as well. Freshman Eric Zhu, who came to MU from China, said China uses the checkpoints.

"Police always stop people to check that they aren't drinking and driving in the big cities of China during the night," Zhu said.

Zhu said that is necessary, but it is up to people to watch those they are with to make sure they don't drink and drive.

"The people are the most important part," Zhu said.