NARRATIVE: On Saturday, Sept. 9, the North Dakota Highway Patrol (NDHP) and the Mercer
County Sheriff’s Office Department will conduct a sobriety checkpoint at a predetermined
location in Mercer County. Impaired driving and impaired driving-related motor vehicle
crashes continue to be a threat to the safety of travelers on North Dakota’s roadways. Every
13 hours, an alcohol-related crash occurs on the state’s roadways. Through August 26th of
this year, there have been 69 fatalities in 60 crashes on North Dakota roadways. Alcohol was a
factor in about 13% of those fatal crashes. Drug impairment is also a growing concern on the
roads in North Dakota.
The planned sobriety checkpoint reflects NDHP’s ongoing efforts to maintain roadway safety
by targeting specific times and locations to have a greater impact at reducing incidence of
impaired driving. In addition to the checkpoint, saturation patrols will be conducted in Mercer
County on Sept. 9.
The North Dakota Highway Patrol is committed to the Vision Zero strategy which aims to
establish a culture of personal responsibility where motor vehicle fatalities and serious injuries
are recognized as preventable. The North Dakota Highway Patrol reminds all motorists,
motorcycle drivers, OHV drivers, and bicyclists to share the road; ensure all occupants are
wearing seatbelts; drive distraction-free; and always make the responsible choice to drive
sober.
