Another Sobriety Checkpoint Coming to Portsmouth

Beware impaired drivers: Another sobriety checkpoint is coming to Portsmouth next week.

After a successful one held last week in the city by the Portsmouth Police Department, the New Hampshire State Police have petitioned to hold one and will do so somewhere in the city the week of Aug. 3.

According to Lt. Christopher Vetter, the checkpoint was requested due to “increasing incidents of drinking and driving” in the region.

“The ‘Sobriety Checkpoint’ is one of the most effective methods of detecting and apprehending the impaired driver,” he said. “The program, approved by the NH Highway Safety Agency and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, provides federal highway safety funds to support this checkpoint, which will be conducted in the Portsmouth area.”

Vetter stated that a review of records had shown that “the use of alcohol by individuals who operate motor vehicles has resulted in an alarming number of deaths and personal injury accidents.” In an effort to maintain safety, the state police department, specifically, Troop A, decided to put together the checkpoint. The troopers requested approval for one and it was granted by the Superior Court.

New Hampshire State Police checkpoint photo courtesy of Brian Blackden.