Embrace DUI Checkpoints Here In ND

Rockin'Rick wrote an article this morning on our sister station US 103.3. A sobriety checkpoint has been announced SOMEWHERE this Friday in Burleigh County, between the hours of 7 pm and 9 pm. That's all we know. A long 3 day weekend (Memorial Day) is just ahead, and unfortunately - people will head out to the river, drink way too much, make a bad decision, and get behind the wheel. I wish we had a roadblock EVERY night. There are many people I know who feel that DUI checkpoints are unconstitutional. I read some comments just the other day on Facebook that floored me. "These so-called checkpoints are simple intrusions designed to trap us all - gives the police a chance to deliver more harassment" Kyle in Mandan said. Another lady here in Bismarck tried to vent - saying that the police are "violating her 4th amendment rights". Not sure what that right is? Here it is from constitutioncenter.org

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

I'm all about having your rights protected, but the second you start complaining about having to roll through a checkpoint, that it's a "HUGE inconvenience for you" and that it's completely unwarranted, you've lost me. Try telling that to someone who lost their whole family in a head-on drunk driving accident. A couple of things, police are trained to look for those that are impaired, PERIOD. Also, if you are completely sober, and you are driving, WHY should you feel threatened? Doesn't make any sense to me. Checkpoints SAVE LIVES - Drive safe - Drive Grateful - ALWAYS.