Sobriety Checkpoint To Be Held In Solon

SOLON, OH — Solon police will conduct a sobriety checkpoint somewhere in the city on an upcoming Friday, the department announced. The checkpoint is designed to find impaired driver and deter drunken driving.

“Because impaired driving accounts for so many of our region’s traffic safety deaths, it is imperative that we find ways to keep impaired drivers off the roadways and to convince those who’ve been drinking not to get behind the wheel in the first place,” said Sgt. Roy Cunningham.

Police said there nearly 12,000 alcohol-related crashes in Ohio in 2017. More than 300 people were killed because of those accidents.

During the sobriety checkpoint, there will also be saturation patrols seeking impaired drivers. All drivers who pass through a sobriety checkpoint will be stopped by police. Officers will quickly look for signs of impairment.

“Highly visible and well publicized checkpoints are an important part of the equation because they increase the perceived risk of arrest and make people think twice about drinking and driving,” said Sgt. Cunningham. “We want the public to know where we are, and we want those who read about the checkpoint to tell everyone they know that we’re cracking down on impaired driving in the city because we want everyone on our roadways to be safe.”

Solon police recommend that anyone who plans on drinking should designate a driver, call a cab, get a ride sharing app, stay at a hotel or call a family member.

Police departments in Ohio are required by law to announce sobriety checkpoints and their locations prior to the operation. If law enforcement did not announce checkpoints, residents could argue their Fourth Amendment rights had been violated.