ENDERLIN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The North Dakota Highway Patrol and Ransom County Sheriff’s Office recently conducted a sobriety checkpoint on Friday, Sept 16.

The checkpoint occurred from 8 PM until 10:45 PM at the intersection of Highway 46 and Country Road 38 east of Enderlin.

Roughly 278 vehicles traveled through the checkpoint. Twelve drivers were screened for impairment, resulting in one arrest for impairment with an additional charge of driving under suspension for the driver.

Impaired driving and impaired driving related motor vehicle crashes are a major threat to the safety of those traveling on North Dakota’s roadways. Through Sept. 3 of this year, there have been 66 fatal crashes on North Dakota roads resulting in 67 fatalities. In the past three years nearly one-third of fatality crashes involved a driver who tested positive for blood alcohol content.

The weekend’s sobriety checkpoint and saturation events are part of the NDHP’s ongoing efforts to maintain roadway safety by targeting specific times and locations to have a greater impact at reducing impaired driving.

NDHP Sgt. Evan Savageau stated, “These enforcement efforts influence drivers to not drink and drive or at least plan ahead and arrange for a safe ride home. Making the responsible choice can save not only your life but the lives of others on the road.”

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 strategy encourages all motorists to take personal responsibility for their safety and the safety of others on the road by driving sober, wearing seatbelts, and driving distraction-free.