The Payson Roundup / Expect DUI checkpoint this holiday weekend

Archive for Tuesday, December 29, 2009

December 29, 2009

Drivers can expect to see an increased number of officers on the streets this weekend as the sheriff’s office, police department and DPS saddle up for the new year.

Several agencies are participating in a New Year’s Eve DUI checkpoint within Payson’s town limits, said DPS Sgt. Terry Lincoln. There will also be more officers on duty scanning for impaired drivers and criminal activity throughout the weekend.

Lincoln said this is the first time in years DPS has scheduled a checkpoint within town limits during the New Year holiday when it is common to see an increase in DUIs as well as accidents. She hopes checkpoints will serve as a deterrent and encourage the use of designated drivers.

Statewide, DUI arrests are up 28 percent for the year over 2008. Officers have already made 3,685 DUI arrests since Thanksgiving, a 35.5 percent increase over last year and there are still several days left in the year.