2coolhipdude
Sophomore Author
Wisconsin
Posts:107
Points:89,890
Joined:Jul 2007
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Message Posted: Jan 30, 2009 7:16:54 PM
Well, it's good to see the idiot pool hasn't dried up on this site. I voted not in the last 10 years because I have traveled in every one of our great states, and Canada. Where it seems most of the moronic comments originate. Canadians are not Americans. You have different values and ideals. We value our freedom and our rights. We're not going to stand there and let someone walk all over us. If I see a checkpoint ahead, and can execute a "legal" turn to avoid it, then there isn't a damn thing the police can do about it. 99.9% of the people in this country don't know the specifics of the laws that govern them. They just spew their ignorance on message boards because of the anonymity of the net. I live in a state that is known for it's alcohol consumption. And we have found ways to curtail drunk driving without the need to infringe on the rights of our citizens.
Here's analogy for the ignorant masses.
You load up your car with bags of aluminum cans for recycling. You unload your bags at the recycling center, take your money and leave. Funny thing tho, while removing the bags from your car, one beer can falls out and rolls under your seat. As you are driving home, the police pull you over for a bad headlight or whatever. While he's talking to you, he notices the can on the floor behind you. Open container. And the last time I looked, the fine was over $150. Don't think it happens? Guess again.
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cheapSF
Rookie Author
South Dakota
Posts:34
Points:65,330
Joined:Apr 2008
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Message Posted: Jan 28, 2009 7:22:26 PM
I have not experienced one in the last 10 years.
Actually I have never been through a drunk driving checkpoint. Most of the time I'm just at home or whatever, but I don't drink and I don't want to be driving when people who have been drinking are driving - check point or not.
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kwilson3
Champion Author
Alabama
Posts:1,320
Points:116,920
Joined:Nov 2008
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Message Posted: Jan 27, 2009 2:46:30 PM
went thru
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gasman14
All-Star Author
San Diego
Posts:708
Points:202,345
Joined:Aug 2008
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Message Posted: Jan 25, 2009 6:33:31 PM
It's been over ten years
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crossbow6
Sophomore Author
Philadelphia
Posts:165
Points:70,330
Joined:Oct 2008
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Message Posted: Jan 24, 2009 5:46:53 PM
I was treated like a criminal, then let go. I don't drink.
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gasman14
All-Star Author
San Diego
Posts:708
Points:202,345
Joined:Aug 2008
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Message Posted: Jan 23, 2009 6:12:50 AM
I study where they are setup so i have not been in one in over ten years.
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Springvale
Rookie Author
Michigan
Posts:25
Points:14,175
Joined:Jul 2008
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Message Posted: Jan 21, 2009 6:13:16 AM
Checkpoints don't exist way up here in Northern Michigan.
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jondaytona
Rookie Author
Detroit
Posts:51
Points:8,515
Joined:Mar 2008
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Message Posted: Jan 20, 2009 7:56:16 PM
Cheaters! Anyway, I've never even seen a "checkpoint". I've been pulled over and asked to do their tests couple of times, but never over the legal limit. I'm sure that pisses them off too.
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foxesfords
All-Star Author
Atlanta
Posts:716
Points:157,850
Joined:Nov 2008
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Message Posted: Jan 18, 2009 12:13:59 PM
I have not experienced one in the last 10 years
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foxesfords
All-Star Author
Atlanta
Posts:716
Points:157,850
Joined:Nov 2008
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Message Posted: Jan 18, 2009 12:13:36 PM
I have not experienced one in the last 10 years
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stugha
Champion Author
Massachusetts
Posts:2,174
Points:267,465
Joined:Sep 2006
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Message Posted: Jan 15, 2009 11:53:44 AM
I have not experienced one in the last 10 years
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Winoscientist
Champion Author
Maryland
Posts:7,936
Points:1,378,160
Joined:Jun 2007
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Message Posted: Jan 15, 2009 11:44:27 AM
My hat was caught drinking and driving last year. It had to pay a stiff fine.
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scoop49
Sophomore Author
Alabama
Posts:101
Points:20,400
Joined:Aug 2008
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Message Posted: Jan 14, 2009 11:52:07 AM
it's been so long I don't even remember. Never drink and drive anymore
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Blubberpuppy
Champion Author
Baltimore
Posts:18,383
Points:1,907,760
Joined:Dec 2006
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Message Posted: Jan 13, 2009 8:29:07 AM
There's an echo in here. Anyway it's been quite a while since I went through one.
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gasman14
All-Star Author
San Diego
Posts:708
Points:202,345
Joined:Aug 2008
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Message Posted: Jan 12, 2009 2:27:44 PM
I have not experienced one in the last 10 years
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gasman14
All-Star Author
San Diego
Posts:708
Points:202,345
Joined:Aug 2008
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Message Posted: Jan 11, 2009 9:49:29 AM
I have not experienced one in the last 10 years
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kaitycan
Champion Author
Austin
Posts:7,792
Points:1,429,130
Joined:Dec 2008
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Message Posted: Jan 11, 2009 6:18:52 AM
I haven't experienced one in the last 10 years.
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gasman14
All-Star Author
San Diego
Posts:708
Points:202,345
Joined:Aug 2008
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Message Posted: Jan 10, 2009 9:27:01 AM
I have not experienced one in the last 10 years
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gasman14
All-Star Author
San Diego
Posts:708
Points:202,345
Joined:Aug 2008
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Message Posted: Jan 9, 2009 6:13:13 AM
I have not experienced one in the last 10 years
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sexysly
Rookie Author
Waterbury
Posts:45
Points:38,085
Joined:Oct 2008
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Message Posted: Jan 8, 2009 5:06:58 PM
Passed right through with no problems
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gasman14
All-Star Author
San Diego
Posts:708
Points:202,345
Joined:Aug 2008
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Message Posted: Jan 8, 2009 2:25:25 PM
I have not experienced one in the last 10 years
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JLove37
Rookie Author
Alabama
Posts:40
Points:537,280
Joined:Aug 2006
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Message Posted: Jan 8, 2009 11:54:54 AM
I was allowed through.
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hrlh2004
Rookie Author
Illinois
Posts:3
Points:1,160
Joined:Jan 2009
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Message Posted: Jan 7, 2009 11:21:37 AM
Where I work I got to watch a check point and was very interesting to see
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michelw
Rookie Author
New Jersey
Posts:5
Points:10,450
Joined:Dec 2008
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Message Posted: Jan 7, 2009 6:20:17 AM
If you're not drunk , proceed. Make sure your seatbelt and headlights are on. Do not act suspicious. Don't be nervous.
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gasman14
All-Star Author
San Diego
Posts:708
Points:202,345
Joined:Aug 2008
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Message Posted: Jan 7, 2009 6:10:56 AM
I have not experienced one in the last 10 years
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CrackedLCD
Champion Author
Alabama
Posts:9,046
Points:1,757,750
Joined:May 2008
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Message Posted: Jan 6, 2009 10:31:14 PM
Cascadeur, that sounds like a great concept! Maybe I should start a "drive you home drunk" company in my area. ;)
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rmg66502
Rookie Author
Kansas
Posts:5
Points:143,700
Joined:Oct 2008
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Message Posted: Jan 6, 2009 4:21:43 PM
check points re a good deterent to drunk driver and only take a few minutes of your time. Afew minutes of your time to take a drunk driver off the road is a asmall price to pay
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blake_crow09
Rookie Author
Arkansas
Posts:6
Points:1,425
Joined:May 2008
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Message Posted: Jan 6, 2009 4:08:53 PM
never going to do that
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blake_crow09
Rookie Author
Arkansas
Posts:6
Points:1,425
Joined:May 2008
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Message Posted: Jan 6, 2009 4:07:48 PM
ya i did some to
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gasman14
All-Star Author
San Diego
Posts:708
Points:202,345
Joined:Aug 2008
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Message Posted: Jan 6, 2009 2:58:06 PM
I have not experienced one in the last 10 years
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Cascadeur
Rookie Author
Quebec
Posts:43
Points:365,345
Joined:Oct 2008
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Message Posted: Jan 6, 2009 2:31:55 PM
I passed through the local drunk driving checkpoint a few times this holiday season as I was doing volunteer work for Operation Red Nose (driving drunk people home in their own cars). The customers are always relieved not to have gone through it by themselves. They always tip more when we go through a barrage with them.
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gasman14
All-Star Author
San Diego
Posts:708
Points:202,345
Joined:Aug 2008
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Message Posted: Jan 5, 2009 2:25:10 PM
I have not experienced one in the last 10 years
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Timbert
Sophomore Author
Tucson
Posts:149
Points:103,125
Joined:May 2004
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Message Posted: Jan 5, 2009 7:27:38 AM
It's been a few years now, but my last experience was not going through a checkpoint per se. The police set up the roadblock right in front of where I worked. I worked a night shift and I would return to the office around 1 or 2 am to drop off the company vehicle.
The entrance to the parking lot was just before the checkpoint. I made a legal left turn into the parking lot and parked the vehicle I was driving. You would have thought I was on the FBI ten most wanted list. Four policemen and three vehicles charged into the parking lot after me, demanding to know why I "evaded their checkpoint." I told them that this was my destination. One cop even said if that was so, I should have gone through the checkpoint then turn around. A couple of the cops started to really press the issue; when one of them was bright enough to look at the company logo on the side of the truck and began to think that there might actually be some truth in my story.
For the record, I have never liked checkpoints--while the goal of getting drunk drivers off the road is noble--I for one don't want my liberty infringed because there is a slight possibility I may be doing something illegal. They are wasteful of resources and generally ineffective. Just driving at 2AM is not reasonable suspicion of anything except maybe insomnia.
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Blackbeardca
Rookie Author
London
Posts:8
Points:16,270
Joined:Nov 2008
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Message Posted: Jan 4, 2009 5:51:38 PM
I was allow through
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NakedDriver
Champion Author
Des Moines
Posts:15,871
Points:2,464,125
Joined:Oct 2004
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Message Posted: Jan 4, 2009 10:40:49 AM
ə it has been over twenty years since i encountered one, but i've not been intoxicated in over thirty so no problem.
i thus said "haven't seen one in over ten years."
i try to avoid them because i don't want them finding fault with my vehicle. ə
[Edited by: NakedDriver at 1/4/2009 1:44:44 PM EST]
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gasman14
All-Star Author
San Diego
Posts:708
Points:202,345
Joined:Aug 2008
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Message Posted: Jan 4, 2009 9:54:43 AM
I have not experienced one in the last 10 years
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CrackedLCD
Champion Author
Alabama
Posts:9,046
Points:1,757,750
Joined:May 2008
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Message Posted: Jan 4, 2009 12:13:35 AM
"Ever since the unconstitutional Supreme Court ruling of Terry vs. Ohio, many cops really push the limits of "probable cause" (the concept of "reasonable suspicion" was invented during that 1968 Supreme Court ruling). But they do still need a valid reason to suspect a violation, and they can't pull you over without a reason, and they can't search your car without a reason. A gym bag of sweaty clothes is not reason to suspect a crime. Even if that bag was found to contain drugs, it would be thrown out of court if the cop didn't have a legal reason for the stop, and a legal reason for the search. And if you are ever pulled over for speeding and a cop asks for permission to search your car, tell him "no"! It doesn't matter if you have nothing to hide; it's a matter of principle."
DamageInc, I do agree with you on principle but my experience with less-than-stellar law officers (which are in a minority IMHO) know that most of us are ignorant of the law and bend it to get what they want.
A gym bag of sweaty clothes is not reason to suspect a crime, but if the officer sees a a zip-top baggie of, heck I dunno, weight gain powder peeking out the bag, he could easily mistake that for a drug and there's your reasonable suspicion.
Outlandish? Sure. Unlikely? Probably. Possible? Definitely.
Although it wasn't at a checkpoint, I was stopped for having a tag light out and then searched for drugs while driving through Texas. Funny thing is, I went 'round back while they were tearing my little car apart and noticed that one of the two lights worked fine. (I whacked the second light and it came back on.) Naturally they didn't find anything, nor did they cite me for the infraction.
I put my car back together in complete darkness on the side of the interstate after they leave. Get back on the road and get pulled over AGAIN by a completely different agency only 1/2 mile down the road. This time for 'improper lane change'. Maybe I did, maybe I didn't, I couldn't remember after 14 hours on the road. But I got searched — AGAIN.
The truth of the matter is the law is one thing but it's so vague they can make up any B.S. reason to stop someone. And they can make up any B.S. reason to search a vehicle (in my case, it was 'cause I was from Alabama and driving on I-10 in Texas — how vague is that!?) They were at least nice enough to tell me that I fit a profile of drug runners so I was cool with both stops. And yes, I did ask about saying no, and they said they could hold me, get a warrant and do the search anyway. Freedom's great, ain't it?
If they can do that on I-10 in Tejas, they can do it at a sobriety checkpoint. If you have the right (and you do) to refuse a search, you also have a right to refuse a sobriety test or breathalyzer. And what happens when you do that? They haul you off to jail in handcuffs, get a warrant and draw blood. Or at least that's my admittedly second-hand experience.
I always tell myself, "I'm gonna say no if they ask to search my car," but funny thing is, since I bought a newer car, I've never been bothered with that request. Yet. *rolls eyes*
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Scrapheap
Champion Author
Virginia
Posts:14,566
Points:2,361,980
Joined:Sep 2006
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Message Posted: Jan 3, 2009 5:03:01 PM
I was allowed to go through
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JediKnight
Champion Author
Wisconsin
Posts:4,848
Points:2,034,735
Joined:May 2004
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Message Posted: Jan 3, 2009 1:03:10 PM
carrollcreek,
WI also has a big "Don't Drink and Drive" campaign and a kind of "Ride Home" program (in the Milwaukee market at least)were the bar will give you a voucher that can be used to get you home via various "Free" Mass Transit options...
In the states like WI (which has a high number of Drinkers by State) we do have laws that it would seem "allow" for DUI events... but we do have programs to combat it too... In the end it is the responsibility of ALL drivers to take in active roll in keeping our streets safe... If you drink... don't drive. If you see someone that drunk take their keys OR call the cops... Don't let them get away with breaking the law.
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JediKnight
Champion Author
Wisconsin
Posts:4,848
Points:2,034,735
Joined:May 2004
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Message Posted: Jan 3, 2009 12:52:47 PM
DamageInc2009,
Re: "Permission to search..."
I'd typically agree with you. If there is nothing suspicious for an officer to "need" to search your vehicle then you should say NO... If the officer suspects something then they can do the search without asking...
In my example, I was going home after a late movie (around 12am...) and being dark out and unfamiliar with the area I must have went straight on a turn lane and later (after they were following me and almost out of town) went over the "yellow line" (no marked lines) according to the officer. So they "suspected" me of drunk driving right off and since my car was a mess AND I had one or more cans of empty Tahitian Treat in can coolers (which do make them look like open beer cans)... They had plenty of suspicions (along with my nervous appearance and not being able to find my drivers license right away..., etc.) and when they asked to search my car I let them... they went for those cans and checked a beverage holder I had several clear plastic snack wrappers in (I like "fresh" frosted Honey Buns when I see them available)...
In that case if I'd have refused I suspect they would have anyway... I got off with a verbal warning after this ordeal after all the trouble they/I went through... Just wondering how many "real" drunks they missed when the two squads attending to me weren't on the road patrolling for real dangers...
Lesson for other drivers... Pay attention to road signs... and don't "eat" and drive late at night... I was handling a Can of Pringles when I must have gone "over the line"...
They aren't kidding when studies say that a distracted driver is just as bad drunk one... Be careful out there folks.
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gasman14
All-Star Author
San Diego
Posts:708
Points:202,345
Joined:Aug 2008
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Message Posted: Jan 3, 2009 12:34:32 PM
I have not experienced one in the last 10 years
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DamageInc2009
Rookie Author
Milwaukee
Posts:2
Points:140
Joined:Jan 2009
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Message Posted: Jan 3, 2009 3:30:54 AM
"You see, ANYTHING can give probable cause for a officer to search your vehicle, and nice law abiding folks like you DO get searched from time to time as a matter of perseverance. But it don't make things right, now does it? Have a duffel bag in the back seat, full of sweaty gym clothes? If it's a little unzipped and the officer sees it, he can suspect drugs are in there and forcibly search your car."
Sorry Nedthenanite, but that's not how it works. Ever since the unconstitutional Supreme Court ruling of Terry vs. Ohio, many cops really push the limits of "probable cause" (the concept of "reasonable suspicion" was invented during that 1968 Supreme Court ruling). But they do still need a valid reason to suspect a violation, and they can't pull you over without a reason, and they can't search your car without a reason. A gym bag of sweaty clothes is not reason to suspect a crime. Even if that bag was found to contain drugs, it would be thrown out of court if the cop didn't have a legal reason for the stop, and a legal reason for the search. And if you are ever pulled over for speeding and a cop asks for permission to search your car, tell him "no"! It doesn't matter if you have nothing to hide; it's a matter of principle.
It saddens me to see how many Americans know so little about the law and our constitutional rights, and how many willingly surrender those rights in the name of "safety" or "security". This country is turning into a police state, and it's time we all put a stop to it. What's that old quote....."Those who would give up essential liberty, to obtain a little temporary security, deserve neither liberty nor security."
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gasie1
Champion Author
Maine
Posts:11,092
Points:2,483,265
Joined:Nov 2005
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Message Posted: Jan 2, 2009 12:56:47 PM
I was allowed through.
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gator2002
Champion Author
Calgary
Posts:11,026
Points:2,570,250
Joined:Jul 2003
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Message Posted: Jan 2, 2009 12:23:46 PM
was allowed through
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CPGas1815
Champion Author
Michigan
Posts:6,027
Points:1,099,605
Joined:Apr 2008
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Message Posted: Jan 2, 2009 12:11:27 PM
What's going on with gas prices!!! The price has increased $0.25 per gallon since 3 days ago. Could a secondary front be forming in corporate America's assault against American energy consumers? I'm sure glad I filled my tank 3 days ago at $1.58 per gallon.
Hopefully, we will soon return to discussing gas price issues as opposed to pointless discussions concerning auto parts and drunk driving checkpoints.
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CovinaCash
Champion Author
Los Angeles
Posts:8,806
Points:1,697,435
Joined:Sep 2005
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Message Posted: Jan 2, 2009 11:30:24 AM
The reason Most have not seen one of these check points is they set up after 9 or 10 p.m. when most working adults are home. In California they also check for valid license and registration, which probably nets them more cars to impound than the drunk driving. They set up on major streets, but if you are paying attention you usually can make a LONG detour to avoid them if you'd like. Sometimes it takes seconds, sometimes they waive you through without checking (probably when they have too many to deal with at that time), but it can take quite awhile for them to look at your registration, license, and look over your car. I don't drink, have current registration, and am licensed, but will still go out of my way to avoid these check points.
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bkeen
Rookie Author
Pittsburgh
Posts:1
Points:530
Joined:Jan 2009
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Message Posted: Jan 2, 2009 10:39:12 AM
I got hit by one early in morning of 1 Jan (late night) here in Pittsburgh. About a block from my house which has 3 bars within walking distance from me, my local PD had a stop set up. I was thinking that they would have a stop because it was New Years Eve. I was acting as the DD so I was good. The cop flagged me over, asked me to breath into the test, I came back with 0.0 and he let me go. I think it is important for the cops to do random checks from time to time though, not just on holidays. I have to admit, it was really interesting to see the number of responses to this question that came back with they haven't been through on in 10+ years.
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carrollcreek
Champion Author
Minnesota
Posts:3,107
Points:875,470
Joined:Jun 2008
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Message Posted: Jan 2, 2009 10:04:24 AM
I thought this was an odd question, because I've never seen or heard of driving checkpoint. After seeing Jediknight's comment, I went to the news story that he referenced and found out why.
Minnesota is also one of the states that doesn't allow sobriety checkpoints. They do have a massive ad campaign before the holidays and the state patrol has more of a presence around this time of year. Another major campaign that we have in Minnesota is the DWI Ride Home http://www.dwiridehome.com/about.htm , where you plan ahead and they will get both you and your car home at the end of the evening. It costs a little more then a standard cab ride, but at least your car gets home also, so you don't have to go out the next morning to find it!
I think the stepped up police presence on the road is more effective then a single point. It allows the officers to move around and be more effective.
[Edited by: carrollcreek at 1/2/2009 1:05:10 PM EST]
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gasaholicNC
Champion Author
North Carolina
Posts:1,214
Points:1,451,580
Joined:Sep 2008
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Message Posted: Jan 2, 2009 9:42:45 AM
I have not experienced one in the last 10 years
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Muradia
Champion Author
Toronto
Posts:6,399
Points:1,383,405
Joined:Nov 2006
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Message Posted: Jan 2, 2009 8:34:27 AM
I was allowed through
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