ISP to conduct DUI check point

Lafayette - Sometime this weekend, November 14th - 16th, Indiana State Police will conduct an enforcement check point targeting impaired drivers in Fountain County.

"Drivers that encounter a check point will be delayed for a few minutes and will be required to produce a valid license and registration," according to a news release issued by the Indiana State Police. "If all information is correct and there is no other reason to be detained, they will be released. After the check point, troopers will conduct roving saturation patrols, aggressively seeking impaired drivers throughout the district."

  In Indiana, between March 1, 2006 and May 31, 2006, there were 214 fatal crashes. 51 of those crashes involved drivers with a blood alcohol content (B.A.C.) above the .08 limit in which a driver is considered impaired. In 2006, there were a total of 31,252 crashes on Indiana roads, 1,464 were alcohol related.

  "Impaired driving remains one of America's deadliest problems," said Sgt. Kim Riley of the Indiana State Police. "According to NHTSA, in 2006, 42,642 people were killed nationally in motor vehicle crashes. That same year, 13,470 people were killed in crashes that involved a driver or motorcyclist with a B.A.C. of .08 or higher."

Indiana State Police offer this advice:

Plan ahead and always designate a sober driver before consuming alcohol.

Don't drive your vehicle if you've been drinking alcohol. Call a taxi or sober friend. A cab ride is cheaper than a DUI.

Take care of your friends. Never let a friend drive while impaired. Take their keys.

If you are hosting a party, always offer non-alcoholic beverages. Make sure all of your guests leave with a sober driver.

Never provide alcohol to anyone under the legal drinking age of 21.

Motorists are encouraged to report suspected impaired drivers by calling 911. Give a vehicle description and direction of travel. Never follow an impaired driver.