From Florida Highway Patrol Public Information Office:
The Florida Highway Patrol will be conducting a Comprehensive Roadside Sobriety Checkpoint in the Gilchrist County area on Friday, December 28, 2012 starting at 7:00 p.m. This checkpoint will be conducted on SR 26, approximately 2 miles west of SR 49.
This is a continuing enforcement program to identify persons who are operating a motor vehicle with defective equipment, without a valid driver's license, without a proper vehicle registration, proper insurance or while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. The objectives of these checkpoints are:
1. Deter vehicles from being operated on the highways with defective equipment.
2. Deter drivers from operating vehicles without a valid driver’s license.
3. Deter drivers from operating vehicles without proper insurance and/or proper registration.
4. Deter impaired driving and thereby reducing death, injury and property damage caused by alcohol and drug impaired drivers.
5. Detect impaired drivers before a crash occurs.
6. Conduct checkpoints with a minimum amount of intrusion and motorist inconvenience.
7. Ensure the safety of the affected motorist and officers.
Every citizen using the highways is asked to “Report Impaired Drivers” to the nearest law enforcement agency, giving the following information:
1. Where you saw the vehicle and which direction the vehicle was traveling.
2. A description of the vehicle: its color, make and model.
3. A description of the driver: sex, race, etc.
4. The vehicle license number and state.
Cellular telephone users may dial “Star FHP (*347)” to reach the nearest Florida Highway Patrol Communications Office. This is a free call to the user and is a courtesy of the cellular companies in Florida. Cellular callers should continue to dial 911 for emergency medical or fire rescue assistance.
Roadside safety checkpoints are one part of our extensive enforcement plan, to enhance safe travel for the citizens and visitors of our State.