If my past experience ass a Deputy Marshall is any indication, alcohol-enhanced stupidity is a fact.
My partner was a part timer; He was a local mortician in his day job and would leave his business card when we would do wellness checks on the drunks sleeping it off. Imagine waking up from a good 2 day drunk to find a funeral director's card in your pocket. Ron regaled us with the stories of these aspiring Einsteins calling his office.
I've always had mixed feelings about sobriety check points.
On the other hand, I have nothing but contempt for those who choose to drive drunk (or otherwise intoxicated), and they should have penalties comparable to rapists, those who hurt children, and corrupt politicians ... especially if said drunk driver kills someone. (And yes, I think those penalties should all be a lot harsher than they are.)
On the other hand, I have some issues with the presumption of guilt that goes along with the check point concept.
By way of background, I live in New Mexico, and there's a real drunk-driver problem here, so perhaps my perspective has gotten a little skewed over the past decade or so.
If my past experience ass a Deputy Marshall is any indication, alcohol-enhanced stupidity is a fact.
My partner was a part timer; He was a local mortician in his day job and would leave his business card when we would do wellness checks on the drunks sleeping it off. Imagine waking up from a good 2 day drunk to find a funeral director's card in your pocket. Ron regaled us with the stories of these aspiring Einsteins calling his office.
I've always had mixed feelings about sobriety check points.
On the other hand, I have nothing but contempt for those who choose to drive drunk (or otherwise intoxicated), and they should have penalties comparable to rapists, those who hurt children, and corrupt politicians ... especially if said drunk driver kills someone. (And yes, I think those penalties should all be a lot harsher than they are.)
On the other hand, I have some issues with the presumption of guilt that goes along with the check point concept.
By way of background, I live in New Mexico, and there's a real drunk-driver problem here, so perhaps my perspective has gotten a little skewed over the past decade or so.
Mine has been skewed since 1979 and a drunk asshole decided to t-bone himself into my vehicle.
I wonder if there will be additional officers stationed on alternate routes? This could be a valid enforcement tactic.
misdirection works
DWI is completely avoidable. Don't consume alcohol, have someone sober drive, or don't leave the location where you are drinking.
Since alcohol tends to shut my filter off, I limit my consumption severely.
I just don't like feeling mentally "fuzzy" and not in full control of myself.