The purpose of the checkpoint is to decrease accidents and save lives, according to Wichita Police Sergeant Rusty Leeds. “We hope for patience and cooperation from all citizens involved in the checkpoint, and there should be minimal disruption to the traffic flow,” he said.

Drivers who approach the check lane should be prepared to present their driver’s license and proof of insurance. Any drivers who cannot produce these items, or who are suspected of driving under the influence, will be asked to pull over, explained Sgt. Leeds.

If Police suspect a person of DUI and he/she refuses to submit to a sobriety test, he/she is subject to having their driver’s license suspended for a year. Fines for Driving Under the Influence are progressive for each subsequent conviction, and can result in a felony crime and imprisonment. The legal limit in the State of Kansas for persons over 21 years of age is .08% Blood Alcohol Content.

“We had 22 alcohol-related fatalities in 2002, and that’s too many,” said Wichita Police Chief Norman Williams. “These were senseless deaths which could have been prevented if drivers would simply not drink and drive.”

The Wichita Police Department will continue to make traffic safety a priority in an attempt to modify drivers’ behavior and make the streets of Wichita safer for all drivers and pedestrians, according to Chief Williams.

To help fund the personnel costs involved in the special traffic assignments, the Kansas Department of Transportation is providing funding via the 2003 Impaired Driver Deterrence Grant.

For more information, please contact Sgt. Rusty Leeds, Patrol North Bureau, at 688-9500.