GRAND FORKS, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – On Friday, June 16, the North Dakota Highway Patrol, the Grand Forks County Sheriff’s Office, and the Grand Forks Police Department will conduct a sobriety checkpoint at a predetermined location in Grand Forks County.

Impaired driving and impaired driving-related motor vehicle crashes continue to be a threat to the safety of travelers on North Dakota’s roadways. Every 13 hours, an alcohol-related crash occurs on the state’s roadways. Through June 7, 2023, there have been 31 fatal crashes on North Dakota roads resulting in 35 fatalities. Six of these fatalities (17.1%) were alcohol related.

The planned sobriety checkpoint reflects NDHP’s ongoing efforts to maintain roadway safety by targeting specific times and locations to have a greater impact at reducing incidence of impaired driving. In addition to the checkpoint, saturation patrols will be conducted in Grand Forks County on Friday, June 16 and Saturday, June 17.

Sgt. Matt Johnson, NDHP Northeast Region, stated, “Removing an impaired driver from behind the wheel can save lives. Impaired driving is completely preventable; all it takes is a little planning. Our message is clear: never drive impaired.”

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 North Dakota Highway Patrol reminds all motorists, motorcycle drivers, OHV drivers, and bicyclists to share the road; ensure all occupants are wearing seat belts; drive distraction-free; and always make the responsible choice to drive
sober. Results from this planned enforcement will be released the week following the event.