The North Dakota Highway Patrol has been conducting sobriety checkpoints throughout the state again this year in an effort to deter people from driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, as well as better inform the public about the dangers of impaired driving.

These checkpoints always get a few impaired drivers off the road, but unfortunately drunk driving remains a big problem.

According to N.D. Highway Patrol statistics, nearly one-half of all vehicle-related accidents on state highways are alcohol related, and sadly, alcohol is linked to a majority of traffic fatalities across the state and the country, despite intense public awareness campaigns.

Ultimately, it comes down to each individual person to insure our roadways are safe.

-Do we understand that drinking and driving dramatically increase the odds of being in an accident, putting our lives and the lives of others in danger?

-Do we have self-control to know when we are too impaired to drive?

-Do we have the courage to tell a friend or loved on they are in no shape to drive due to alcohol or drugs?

-Do we realize the stiff penalties for driving while intoxicated? Are we willing to take that risk?

The sobriety checkpoints should not be viewed as a trap set up by the N.D. Highway Patrol to arrest people.

The patrol informs the public well in advance of them and those who choose to disregard the laws and get behind the wheel drunk will be arrested.

We can’t tolerate alcohol and drug-impaired drivers on our streets and highways. Their foolish decision to drive could result in a senseless tragedy.

Unfortunately, accidents will occur, but we can drastically reduce that number by making the right choice not to drive while impaired by drugs or alcohol.

And if the highway patrol can help deter drinking and driving by conducting these checkpoints, than it’s a worthwhile venture.