BISMARCK, N.D. (NDHP) – On Friday, September 20, 2024, the North Dakota Highway Patrol and McHenry County Sheriff’s Office conducted a sobriety checkpoint at Highway 52, mile marker 114, near Velva in McHenry County. The checkpoint was conducted from 8:00 PM until 10:00 PM. During the enforcement, 243 vehicles passed through the checkpoint; five drivers were evaluated for possible DUI violations and one driver was arrested for DUI. No other citations were issued. A saturation effort was held in McHenry County after the checkpoint on September 20 into the early hours of September 21. During the saturation, a severe thunderstorm rolled through the area resulting in low traffic in the area. No citations were issued during the enforcement.

NDHP Northwest Regional Sgt. Joshua Gudvangen emphasized the importance of these enforcements to keep roadways safe, ” Driving sober is one of the simplest ways to prevent crashes. Impaired driving isn’t just breaking a law; it is endangering lives. Roadways are shared spaces, and everyone should be able to travel without fear of being harmed by other
drivers’ irresponsible choices.”

Through September 10 of this year, there have been sixty-five fatalities in 59 crashes on North Dakota roadways; 15.4% of the crashes involved alcohol.

The North Dakota Highway Patrol and other Vision Zero partners, remind all motorists, motorcycle drivers, OHV drivers, and bicyclists to share the road; ensure all occupants are wearing a seat belt; drive distraction-free; and always make the responsible choice to drive sober. Results from this planned enforcement will be released the week following the enforcement events.