The Memphis Police Department has announced plans to set up Sobriety Roadside Safety Checkpoints in an effort to actively reduce impaired driving incidents. These checkpoints are scheduled for the evening of Friday, September 12, from 7 p.m. to midnight, according to a recent press release on the Memphis Police Department's official website. Drivers who will be out on that night should expect to be stopped at one of the two designated locations, which are Lamar Avenue near Central Avenue and Union Avenue near East Street.
The initiative is part of a larger campaign to increase road safety in Memphis. Officers aim to swiftly identify and discourage impaired driving, which has been shown to considerably endanger lives and cause harm. In the statement obtained by Memphis Police Department's news release, it was mentioned that "impaired driving is a serious crime that claims more than 16,000 lives and injures approximately 305,000 people each year in the United States." The checkpoints serve not only to catch offenders but also to visibly demonstrate the department's commitment to preventing these tragedies.
Officers at these checkpoints will evaluate drivers for signs of alcohol or drug impairment and will take action on any other violations that may come to light. With these proactive measures, the police department intends to significantly contribute to fewer accidents and safer streets. The MPD release emphasized that "the Memphis Police Department recognizes sobriety checkpoints as a highly visible and effective tool in reducing impaired driving and promoting public safety." Such operations are often supported by both local communities and safety advocates for their role in deterrence and education.
The operation is part of a federally funded program, as highlighted in the press release. A grant from the Tennessee Highway Safety Office is helping to back this particular initiative.
