Sobriety Checkpoints
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 7,705
Likes: 358
From: C-Town
Really, don't just pick out a single sentence. Read it as a whole.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,156
Likes: 1
From: Pittsburgh, PA
I'm sorry for your loss.
Your loss has hampered your ability to be objective about this topic. It hits too close to home for you.
It's like the Brady bill. Brady almost gets killed by Hinckley, and his wife thinks that all guns should be outlawed.
Nobody is saying drunks should be driving.....what were saying is probable cause should be used according to the drivers INDIVIDUAL ACTIONS.
Stopping EVERYONE and in effect "fishing" for a lawbreaker, is essentially saying EVERYONE is a suspect in a crime. It's a knee jerk reaction.
If someone's driving drunk...you can tell. I've seen more than my share in the last 25 years or so of driving.
~Joe
Your loss has hampered your ability to be objective about this topic. It hits too close to home for you.
It's like the Brady bill. Brady almost gets killed by Hinckley, and his wife thinks that all guns should be outlawed.
Nobody is saying drunks should be driving.....what were saying is probable cause should be used according to the drivers INDIVIDUAL ACTIONS.
Stopping EVERYONE and in effect "fishing" for a lawbreaker, is essentially saying EVERYONE is a suspect in a crime. It's a knee jerk reaction.
If someone's driving drunk...you can tell. I've seen more than my share in the last 25 years or so of driving.
~Joe
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,975
Likes: 12
From: NJ
Go save the whales, tree frogs, or whatever. Stop protecting and defending the rights of drunk drivers.
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: North of Denver
I'm all for laws against drunk driving, but let's define drunk driving properly and let's assign some responsibility (and consequences) to those who have no respect for stop lights and stop signs.
In the state I live in, you can be arrested for a 0.05 BAC. Yes, 0.05 - I did not stutter. Have a beer or 2 over dinner on the way home from work - you're a criminal. And yet I see shiat all the time that nearly kills people - things like drivers wildly swerving into my lane and slamming on their brakes or crossing solid lines on the road and not looking where they are going - and when I honk and they finally see me, they keep on coming. 18-wheelers which swerve in front of you without warning, people who think it's okay to tailgate you within 3 feet at 80 mph - these are the people who should be arrested and never allowed to drive again. They may be totally sober, but they are dangerous.
Fortunately, it seems that some cops realize that the draconian laws are BS. One thing you should do if you're ever pulled over is be respectful (no matter how much of an *** the cop is). I've been told things like "If we took you downtown right now, you'd probably blow right on the line" and "If I see you again today, I'm going to arrest you" and even "Go home, you're drunk". In none of those cases did I cause an accident, but I guarantee you that if I had not been respectful to the cop, he would have hauled my butt off to jail.
Unfortunately, we live in a society where it's okay to blow a stop light (slap on the wrist - IF you're caught), but if you have more than 2 beers you're a candidate for jail.
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: North of Denver
Don't confuse him with the facts. His mind is made up.
And it's the drunk drivers themselves who fund the checkpoints in the form of fines. The only thing accurate in his remarks is that relatively few dds are arrested through their use.
One reason for this is the officer has mere seconds, based on physical cues alone, to determine if the driver may be under the influence. For that reason many over the limit drivers get passed through.</i>
In my experience, cops are pretty good at quickly determining if you've been drinking - how much you've had is somewhat harder to determine.
<i>As I said before I believe the main benefit of checkpoints is there deterrent effect. Face it, most dds believe they are driving fine and won't be detected by the average cop. And this is often true. </i>
Think for a minute about what you just said - And then you'll realize that most "drunk drivers" aren't really a road hazard. It's fairly easy to maintain a lane, stop when you're supposed to and stick to the speed limit. A lot of people don't do those things when completely sober, but a lot of drunks somehow manage to abide by those simple rules. It's why there aren't 50 million people serving time for DUI right now.
That said, checkpoints aren't really much of a deterrent even though I will admit to being scared of them. Checkpoints are usually set up on holiday weekends and are usually in areas where people are likely to have been drinking (near bars, IOW). They will catch some folks, but it's really not that hard to avoid those areas at those times.
<i>Especially with the seasoned repeat offender drunk who is also arguably the most dangerous. </i>
Oh yeah? Really? Are you serious?
<i>These folks will not get caught by typical patrol.</i>
Yep - probably because they are safer drivers than a lot of sober people.
<i> Actually by virtue of shear numbers any drunk driver has a good chance of not getting caught. They're out there every night waiting to kill you or your loved one. </i>
Yeah, we're just waiting for the chance to kill your "loved one". What kind of sick freak are you anyway?
<i>That's why I believe in checkpoints. I would go even further and say that I would support random roadside drugs/alcohol screening. We do it to keep our workplaces safe and drug free,</i>
You don't really believe that, do you? If I showed up for work drunk or stoned, I would be called on it and I probably would be fired on the spot. You don't need a drug test to determine that someone is too intoxicated to perform their job - and if you do, maybe you should reconsider why you actually need a drug test for that.
And then of course there's the problem that if I smoked a joint 3 weeks ago I could still test positive for marijuana "metabolites".
<i> we do it for CDL license holders and pilots. Why not do it to make the most dangerous place in our country safer. Our highways.
And it's the drunk drivers themselves who fund the checkpoints in the form of fines. The only thing accurate in his remarks is that relatively few dds are arrested through their use.
One reason for this is the officer has mere seconds, based on physical cues alone, to determine if the driver may be under the influence. For that reason many over the limit drivers get passed through.</i>
In my experience, cops are pretty good at quickly determining if you've been drinking - how much you've had is somewhat harder to determine.
<i>As I said before I believe the main benefit of checkpoints is there deterrent effect. Face it, most dds believe they are driving fine and won't be detected by the average cop. And this is often true. </i>
Think for a minute about what you just said - And then you'll realize that most "drunk drivers" aren't really a road hazard. It's fairly easy to maintain a lane, stop when you're supposed to and stick to the speed limit. A lot of people don't do those things when completely sober, but a lot of drunks somehow manage to abide by those simple rules. It's why there aren't 50 million people serving time for DUI right now.
That said, checkpoints aren't really much of a deterrent even though I will admit to being scared of them. Checkpoints are usually set up on holiday weekends and are usually in areas where people are likely to have been drinking (near bars, IOW). They will catch some folks, but it's really not that hard to avoid those areas at those times.
<i>Especially with the seasoned repeat offender drunk who is also arguably the most dangerous. </i>
Oh yeah? Really? Are you serious?
<i>These folks will not get caught by typical patrol.</i>
Yep - probably because they are safer drivers than a lot of sober people.
<i> Actually by virtue of shear numbers any drunk driver has a good chance of not getting caught. They're out there every night waiting to kill you or your loved one. </i>
Yeah, we're just waiting for the chance to kill your "loved one". What kind of sick freak are you anyway?
<i>That's why I believe in checkpoints. I would go even further and say that I would support random roadside drugs/alcohol screening. We do it to keep our workplaces safe and drug free,</i>
You don't really believe that, do you? If I showed up for work drunk or stoned, I would be called on it and I probably would be fired on the spot. You don't need a drug test to determine that someone is too intoxicated to perform their job - and if you do, maybe you should reconsider why you actually need a drug test for that.
And then of course there's the problem that if I smoked a joint 3 weeks ago I could still test positive for marijuana "metabolites".
<i> we do it for CDL license holders and pilots. Why not do it to make the most dangerous place in our country safer. Our highways.
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 73
Likes: 0
Don't confuse him with the facts. His mind is made up.
And it's the drunk drivers themselves who fund the checkpoints in the form of fines. The only thing accurate in his remarks is that relatively few dds are arrested through their use.
One reason for this is the officer has mere seconds, based on physical cues alone, to determine if the driver may be under the influence. For that reason many over the limit drivers get passed through.
As I said before I believe the main benefit of checkpoints is there deterrent effect. Face it, most dds believe they are driving fine and won't be detected by the average cop. And this is often true. Especially with the seasoned repeat offender drunk who is also arguably the most dangerous.
These folks will not get caught by typical patrol. Actually by virtue of shear numbers any drunk driver has a good chance of not getting caught. They're out there every night waiting to kill you or your loved one.
That's why I believe in checkpoints. I would go even further and say that I would support random roadside drugs/alcohol screening. We do it to keep our workplaces safe and drug free, we do it for CDL license holders and pilots. Why not do it to make the most dangerous place in our country safer. Our highways.
And it's the drunk drivers themselves who fund the checkpoints in the form of fines. The only thing accurate in his remarks is that relatively few dds are arrested through their use.
One reason for this is the officer has mere seconds, based on physical cues alone, to determine if the driver may be under the influence. For that reason many over the limit drivers get passed through.
As I said before I believe the main benefit of checkpoints is there deterrent effect. Face it, most dds believe they are driving fine and won't be detected by the average cop. And this is often true. Especially with the seasoned repeat offender drunk who is also arguably the most dangerous.
These folks will not get caught by typical patrol. Actually by virtue of shear numbers any drunk driver has a good chance of not getting caught. They're out there every night waiting to kill you or your loved one.
That's why I believe in checkpoints. I would go even further and say that I would support random roadside drugs/alcohol screening. We do it to keep our workplaces safe and drug free, we do it for CDL license holders and pilots. Why not do it to make the most dangerous place in our country safer. Our highways.
It's ignorant fanatics like you that think if anyone lives their lives differently, or doesn't live like their grandparents should all be arrested on some charge just so you don't have to come to the realization that you are a grumpy, narrow minded, people hating dick.
Banned
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 35
Likes: 1
So you all get pissed when a friend gets turned into jello from a drunk driver, yet are pissed cause a DWI check points or road blocks. Are you really that inconvienced, or just that shallow & selfish? Boy some of you like to talk a out of both sides of your mouth ehh.
So lets get rid of these stupid assed check points, just to make your day. But damn don't cry like a bitch when your loved one is the latest road kill, can't have it both ways.
Driving is in fact a privilage, keep abusing that privilage & watch your license get suspended. If it was in fact a right, you couldn't have your license suspended. The courts would be riddled with even more civil right cases.
So lets get rid of these stupid assed check points, just to make your day. But damn don't cry like a bitch when your loved one is the latest road kill, can't have it both ways.
Driving is in fact a privilage, keep abusing that privilage & watch your license get suspended. If it was in fact a right, you couldn't have your license suspended. The courts would be riddled with even more civil right cases.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 12,946
Likes: 32
From: Colorado Springs, CO
Driving may be a priveledge, but nowhere did it say that consitutional rights are revoked on the road.
Let me give you an example.
Assault weapons ban. If you outlaw ANY type of gun, it opens the door to full gun control, becasue once you crack the floodgate open jsut a bit, you can't shut it.
Vehicle checkpoint. Once you open the gate you can't shut it. I mean, how do we know you aren't doing something wrong in your home? The only way to know for sure is to come in and look. Hell, you might have beat your wife, or removed the tag from the mattress.
I think ranom home inspections should be allowed. Same for random auto stops. You guys are 100% right. I just don't feel safe. I don't know what my neighbor might be up to.
I'll feel safer. Anyway, it will only be a few minute inconvience. Make sure your wife has her robe on, we're coming in.
You won me over. Let's do it!
~Joe
Let me give you an example.
Assault weapons ban. If you outlaw ANY type of gun, it opens the door to full gun control, becasue once you crack the floodgate open jsut a bit, you can't shut it.
Vehicle checkpoint. Once you open the gate you can't shut it. I mean, how do we know you aren't doing something wrong in your home? The only way to know for sure is to come in and look. Hell, you might have beat your wife, or removed the tag from the mattress.
I think ranom home inspections should be allowed. Same for random auto stops. You guys are 100% right. I just don't feel safe. I don't know what my neighbor might be up to.
I'll feel safer. Anyway, it will only be a few minute inconvience. Make sure your wife has her robe on, we're coming in.
You won me over. Let's do it!
~Joe
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Banned
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 35
Likes: 1
Driving may be a priveledge, but nowhere did it say that consitutional rights are revoked on the road.
Let me give you an example.
Assault weapons ban. If you outlaw ANY type of gun, it opens the door to full gun control, becasue once you crack the floodgate open jsut a bit, you can't shut it.
Vehicle checkpoint. Once you open the gate you can't shut it. I mean, how do we know you aren't doing something wrong in your home? The only way to know for sure is to come in and look. Hell, you might have beat your wife, or removed the tag from the mattress.
I think ranom home inspections should be allowed. Same for random auto stops. You guys are 100% right. I just don't feel safe. I don't know what my neighbor might be up to.
I'll feel safer. Anyway, it will only be a few minute inconvience. Make sure your wife has her robe on, we're coming in.
You won me over. Let's do it!
~Joe
Let me give you an example.
Assault weapons ban. If you outlaw ANY type of gun, it opens the door to full gun control, becasue once you crack the floodgate open jsut a bit, you can't shut it.
Vehicle checkpoint. Once you open the gate you can't shut it. I mean, how do we know you aren't doing something wrong in your home? The only way to know for sure is to come in and look. Hell, you might have beat your wife, or removed the tag from the mattress.
I think ranom home inspections should be allowed. Same for random auto stops. You guys are 100% right. I just don't feel safe. I don't know what my neighbor might be up to.
I'll feel safer. Anyway, it will only be a few minute inconvience. Make sure your wife has her robe on, we're coming in.
You won me over. Let's do it!
~Joe
What does a sobriety check points have to do with random auto stops? Two totally different debates.
As far as your random house inspections, what you do in the privacy of your home is your business. But when your in your car. Your on public roads, shared by all. Nothing private about it at all.
Banned
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 267
Likes: 8
Driving may be a priveledge, but nowhere did it say that consitutional rights are revoked on the road.
Let me give you an example.
Assault weapons ban. If you outlaw ANY type of gun, it opens the door to full gun control, becasue once you crack the floodgate open jsut a bit, you can't shut it.
Vehicle checkpoint. Once you open the gate you can't shut it. I mean, how do we know you aren't doing something wrong in your home? The only way to know for sure is to come in and look. Hell, you might have beat your wife, or removed the tag from the mattress.
I think ranom home inspections should be allowed. Same for random auto stops. You guys are 100% right. I just don't feel safe. I don't know what my neighbor might be up to.
I'll feel safer. Anyway, it will only be a few minute inconvience. Make sure your wife has her robe on, we're coming in.
You won me over. Let's do it!
~Joe
Let me give you an example.
Assault weapons ban. If you outlaw ANY type of gun, it opens the door to full gun control, becasue once you crack the floodgate open jsut a bit, you can't shut it.
Vehicle checkpoint. Once you open the gate you can't shut it. I mean, how do we know you aren't doing something wrong in your home? The only way to know for sure is to come in and look. Hell, you might have beat your wife, or removed the tag from the mattress.
I think ranom home inspections should be allowed. Same for random auto stops. You guys are 100% right. I just don't feel safe. I don't know what my neighbor might be up to.
I'll feel safer. Anyway, it will only be a few minute inconvience. Make sure your wife has her robe on, we're coming in.
You won me over. Let's do it!
~Joe
