LAS CRUCES – The Las Cruces Police Department will conduct at least one sobriety checkpoint and two saturation patrols within city limits during the month of May as part of ongoing efforts to improve roadway safety and reduce impaired driving.
Sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols are intended to reduce and eliminate the number of motorists who drive while intoxicated or impaired. Officers will be stationed at selected locations throughout the city and will also conduct roving patrols targeting drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The enforcement effort comes as impaired driving continues to be a concern across New Mexico. State transportation officials report thousands of DWI arrests are made each year, and alcohol remains a factor in a significant number of fatal crashes statewide. Law enforcement agencies say checkpoints and targeted patrols are among the most effective ways to prevent impaired driving and keep roads safe.
Las Cruces police encourage those who plan on consuming alcoholic beverages to utilize a ride-share service, taxi, or designated driver — someone who will not be drinking alcoholic beverages — for their transportation needs.
Officers will also be on the lookout for other traffic safety violations such as drivers using cell phones, and those who fail to properly utilize seatbelts and child safety seats.
Police remind motorists that the goal of these operations is not only enforcement, but prevention, and they urge the public to make safe choices before getting behind the wheel.