DUI Checkpoints Finding Fewer DUI Drivers

A field sobriety checkpoint along the Berlin Turnpike during the holiday weekend found no violations related to area residents driving under the influence - in fact the trend has steadily continued downward.

For the second time in three weeks, the Berlin Police Department reported no arrests for DUI infractions at checkpoints established on the turnpike near the intersection at Deming Road. With 889 vehicles passing through the latest checkpoint, only 15 were flagged and all were for motor vehicle infractions or misdemeanors.

So with just two DUI arrests at the three previous checkpoints, are trends going down or are residents just wiser to where police may be?

"Roadside sobriety checkpoints have been shown to be the most effective method to detect and apprehend under the influence drivers," said Berlin Deputy Chief John Klett.

While DUIs are down, however, motorists traveling with issues - specifically operating without proper registration - continues to be a problem.

During the latest in a series of traffic stops, police reported the following arrests, infractions and charges:

• Eleven (11) motorists were cited for operating unregistered motor vehicles.
• Two (2) motorists were cited for child restraint violations.
• One (1) motorist was cited for operating without a license.
• One (1) motorist was cited for failing to obey the posted signage.