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A joint effort by several law enforcement agencies in Pitt County recently used a sobriety checkpoint to bring charges against 95 drivers in Greenville, North Carolina. The Greenville Police Department, the Pitt County Sheriff’s Office, along with police from East Carolina University, the North Carolina Highway Patrol and officers from the Ayden, Grifton and Vidant police departments joined together to run a DWI checkpoint on Allen Road in Greenville recently. Law enforcement plans to use checkpoints again in the future.

Authorities say that six people were arrested at the recent Greenville, North Carolina checkpoint on suspicion of driving while impaired. However, police say that another 89 drivers are facing a variety of other charges based upon the use of the DWI checkpoint.

Authorities say that 17 people were found to be driving with a revoked license during the roadblock check. A dozen were allegedly found to be driving without a valid license. Police accuse a number of people of a variety of traffic offenses–several people are facing drug charges, and other felony arrests were also made in the law enforcement effort to enforce DWI laws.

Not all states allow law enforcement to conduct sobriety checkpoints. Most North Carolina drivers are aware the DWI checkpoints are used throughout the state to enforce North Carolina drunk driving laws. Some out-of-state visitors, or students who study in North Carolina, may be surprised that DWI checkpoints are used in the state, especially those out-of-state drivers who hail from the states that have outlawed sobriety checkpoints.

The United States Supreme Court says that the use of checkpoints to enforce DWI laws is constitutional as long as the roadblocks are conducted with proper safeguards to protect the integrity of the law enforcement action.

In other words, a checkpoint cannot be set up and run at the whim of law enforcement, but when properly conducted, a DWI checkpoint may be constitutionally sound, according to the nation’s highest court (some of the states that do not allow sobriety checkpoints do not allow the roadblocks under state constitutional protections).

However, just because North Carolina generally allows for sobriety checkpoints, drivers accused of DWI should not be shy to contact a DWI defense lawyer regarding the allegations involved in an individual case.

Source: WNCT, “Greenville DWI check nets 95 violations, including 6 DWI’s,” Jonathan Rodriguez, updated March 4, 2013

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The holiday season means plenty of errands as well as fun activities. During the bustle of the season, though, Pembroke Pines car accidents are a risk. The extra rush of the holidays as well as extra traffic on the roads can lead to collisions and road rage, as well as other hazards. To have a pleasant and safe holiday, be sure to follow these tips:

1) Be more cautious in parking areas. These can be the site of many slow-speed accidents as busy shoppers rush to get to sales and back home again. Drive defensively in parking areas and keep an eye out for distracted pedestrians and drivers. Park in well-lit areas to stay safe when walking to and from retail areas.

2) Lock your car when shopping and store purchased items in the trunk. Unfortunately, thieves do target shoppers. Keeps valuables stowed out of sight so that they will not be a temptation.

3) Prepare for road trips and shopping trips to unfamiliar areas. Print out a map or use GPS to get to your destination safely. If you are going on a longer trip, get details about detour routes, road conditions, and weather conditions as well.

4) Do not drink and drive. Pembroke Pines drunk driving accidents claim too many lives each year and these are accidents that are easily preventable.

5) Inform someone when you will be heading out for a trip or running holiday errands. When someone is expecting you, they can check in if you get into trouble and cannot return.

6) Carry your mobile device with you, but keep it switched off in the car. Mobile devices are a handy way to call for help if you get stranded. However, they can also lead to Pembroke Pines motorcycle accidents and car accidents because they are a major distraction.

7) Keep at least half a tank of gas in the car when you head out and keep your car in good repair. Having enough fuel to get home (or at least to the next gas station) can ensure that you get home safely. A car that is in good repair is also less likely to break down in the middle of a roadway, potentially causing a collision.

8 ) Consider driving with a friend or family member, especially if you are heading out to run errands or are headed out for a longer trip. Two drivers can share driving duty, which makes it easier to avoid fatigued driving. A second driver can also check maps and keep an eye out for exit ramps, leaving the main driver less distracted.

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