NPS Sobriety Checkpoint Saturday September 7th on PINS

(Corpus Christi, Texas) - Padre Island National Seashore will conduct a Sobriety Checkpoint on Saturday, September 7, 2013 on Park Road 22 near the park's Entrance Station. The purpose of the checkpoint is to detect and apprehend alcohol and drug impaired drivers. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has recognized impaired driving as one of the nation's most often committed and deadliest crimes. According to NHTSA there were 3399 traffic fatalities in the state of Texas in 2012, with 32 percent being alcohol/DUI related. In addition, NHTSA reports 50 percent of Americans will be involved in an alcohol-related traffic collision in his or her lifetime. Sobriety checkpoints are a proactive deterrent and are one of the most effective methods of reducing the amount of impaired drivers who pose a serious threat to innocent, unsuspecting motorists traveling our roadways. So far this year, Law Enforcement Park Rangers have charged 59 drivers for driving under the influence (DUI) and issued 169 citations for other alcohol and drug violations. This checkpoint will support the continued detection and deterrence of alcohol and/or drug impaired driving and will contribute to a safe park experience for all visitors.