SOBRIETY CHECKPOINT SCHEDULED FOR AUG. 21 AT LAKE MEAD

Date: August 12, 2011
Contact: Kevin Turner, [phone]

LAS VEGAS - Park rangers at Lake Mead will be conducting a sobriety checkpoint on Sunday, Aug. 21 from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Lakeshore Road in the area of Las Vegas Bay.

Each year park rangers arrest and average of 200 visitors park wide for driving under the influence. So far this year their have been two fatal motor vehicle accidents where alcohol is believed to have been a factor.

National Park Service rangers along with officers from the Hoover Dam and Boulder City police departments will be on the lookout for impaired drivers.

"What's most disconcerting about the DUIs we see in the park is that more often than not the car is occupied by family and friends," said Chief Ranger Mary Hinson. "We do these checkpoints because impaired drivers are not only a danger to themselves, they're a danger to everyone on the road."

It's a federal crime to operate a vehicle or boat under the influence in a national park. Penalties include fines up to $5000, maximum 6 months in jail, and up to five years probation.

Media outlets interested in covering the checkpoint should contact Kevin Turner at [phone] or [e-mail].

- NPS -