Roadside Checkpoint results in 48 citations and four arrests

The top priority for DeFuniak Springs Police has always been the safety of the public on city roads.

Statistics from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles state that 2,983 individuals were killed in motor vehicle related crashes in 2008.

Of these traffic deaths, 1,795 individuals were either drivers or passengers in safety belt equipped vehicles. Sixty percent (1,085) of these people killed were not wearing a safety belt.

In addition in 2008, sixty-eight percent (54 of 79) of the children ages 0 to 17 years old killed in traffic crashes were not using safety equipment.

To attempt to help lower these unnecessary statistics, the DeFuniak Springs Police held a Comprehensive Roadside Checkpoint on March 13th within the city limits of DeFuniak Springs between the hours of 7:00 p.m. – 11 p.m. They were assisted by Florida Highway Patrol, Florida Department of Transportation, and Walton County Sheriff’s Office.

The location for the operation was in an area where there has been traffic crashes involving alcohol and arrests for Driving under the Influence (DUI).

A total of 540 vehicles passed through the checkpoint at which 524 of those vehicles were stopped. Four arrests were made during the operation, 1 DUI and 3 Driving While License Suspended/Revoked. Additionally, 8 written warnings and 48 other citations were issued.

The DeFuniak Springs Police will be holding more Comprehensive Roadside Checkpoints in the near future. Any death due to a person not wearing safety equipment is unacceptable and violators will be cited. STAY ALIVE, BUCKLE UP.