In a move aimed to curb the risk of impaired driving during the holidays, the Norman Police Department, in partnership with several local law enforcement agencies and the Cleveland County District Attorney's Office, is gearing up to host a "No Refusal" DUI checkpoint on December 26. This high-profile traffic enforcement aims at sending a clear message to the public: if you drink, don't drive, as reported by the City of Norman.
According to a press release from the City of Norman, the checkpoint is designed to identify, and deter, impaired drivers. The initiative is not just about catching offenders, but also about prevention, a concept underscored by the Norman Police who have made it their mission to discourage the act of driving under the influence, which carries potentially fatal consequences for both drivers and innocent bystanders alike.
The "No Refusal" aspect of the checkpoint means that drivers suspected of impairment who refuse sobriety tests can quickly find themselves facing a search warrant for a blood sample. As per the City of Norman, when a driver refuses to submit to the State's Implied Consent Test, officers are allowed to seek a search warrant. Should the judge approve, the evidence collected can be used in subsequent criminal proceedings against the driver.
The Norman Police Department is actively encouraging individuals to plan ahead if they intend to consume alcohol. "If you are going to consume alcohol, plan ahead and designate a sober driver. Even if you have only one alcoholic beverage, call a ride service, use public transportation, or phone a sober friend or family member to get home safely," the City of Norman press release stated, advocating for alternatives to impaired driving. Moreover, citizens are prompted to keep an eye out for impaired drivers and contact the Norman Police at 405-321-1444 should they encounter one on the road.
This enforcement project brings together the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office, University of Oklahoma Police, and Oklahoma Park Rangers. Norman police are sending a clear message: impaired driving will not be tolerated, and the upcoming DUI checkpoint shows their commitment to keeping roads safe during the holidays, as per the City of Norman.
