Sobriety checkpoints planned across South Dakota in January

The South Dakota Highway Patrol will hold sobriety checkpoints in 16 counties throughout the month of January. Checkpoints are planned for Beadle, Brookings, Brown, Clay, Davison, Day, Hamlin, Hanson, Hughes, Jones, Lawrence, Lincoln, Lyman, Meade, Pennington, and Spink counties.

The enforcement effort is aimed at reducing impaired driving and improving roadway safety. Funding for the checkpoints is provided by the South Dakota Office of Highway Safety, and operations will be carried out by the Highway Patrol in coordination with local law enforcement agencies.

Motorists are reminded to make responsible choices and avoid driving after drinking alcohol, whether or not a checkpoint is planned in their area. Drivers who plan to drink should arrange for a designated sober driver or use public or commercial transportation.

Both the South Dakota Office of Highway Safety and the South Dakota Highway Patrol are agencies of the South Dakota Department of Public Safety.