Sobriety Checkpoints
Updated 1/1/2008
Loudoun County MADD volunteers attend a number of sobriety checkpoints each year, held by the Loudoun County Sheriff's Dept. These checkpoints are designed to ensure that:
The Loudoun Chapter attends these checkpoints to assist the Deputies of Loudoun County by providing refreshments, and handing out literature distributed by the State, County and/or MADD, concerning drunk driving.
We will NOT be publishing the schedule of checkpoints or the locations here for obvious reasons. Volunteers will be notified by e-mail.
Click <HERE> to go to the results of checkpoints.
What to expect if you are stopped at a checkpoint
If you find that you are approaching a checkpoint, stay calm. The Deputies are very nice and polite. Also, once in the vicinity of the checkpoint, do not try to "escape". Deputies are aware that drunk drivers often try to U-turn before the checkpoint to get away. Often, Deputies will be stationed on the other side of the road to observe and/or stop these drivers. If you are not drunk but simply panic and try to get away, you may be subjected to closer observation and longer delays than if you simply stayed in line.
In a checkpoint, strict rules are followed by the Deputies, and because of this, you will probably find the traffic backed up somewhat. The backup is monitored and the checkpoint may be temporarily suspended to allow a reduction in the number of cars in line. The starting and stopping times of all checkpoint activity is recorded as is the number of cars stopped.
As you approach the checkpoint, your driving will be observed. If your behavior is erratic, the information will be passed on to the checkpoint line. Just stay calm and alert. Be sure to watch the Deputies for hand signals motioning you into single file. You will be directed to stop by one of several Deputies manning the checkpoint. All cars will be stopped. Be assured that neither you nor anyone else is being singled out for any apparent reason. Once the cars have stopped, Deputies will approach all cars simultaneously and ask the drivers questions. These questions are designed to give an indication to the Deputy if you have been drinking excessively. You should answer the questions truthfully. Even if you have had a drink or two, tell the Deputy. Depending on your individual situation you will probably be allowed to proceed.
Once the Deputy has completed the questions, a representative from Loudoun County MADD will hand you a few informational pamphlets that explain MADD's mission, information on drunk driving and how to get help. The MADD phone number and other contact information are on the pamphlets handed to you. If you need help, please be sure to read the information and get in touch with the Loudoun County Chapter, or the chapter near you. You may also click <HERE> to leave an e-mail message. If you cannot locate a local chapter, phone or e-mail the Loudoun Chapter and we will help.
If a Deputy finds that there is sufficient reason to believe you have been drinking excessively, or finds you are in violation of other laws, he or she will tell you to move out of line to a second location for further testing. Follow the Deputy's instructions and STAY IN THE CAR WITH YOUR HANDS IN PLAIN VIEW, PREFERABLY ON THE TOP OF THE STEERING WHEEL. The purpose of moving you from the line is to prevent the rest of the line from being held up, not to embarrass you. At this point you may simply be asked more questions, asked for your driver's license, and/or asked to perform a series of sobriety checks, up to being asked to take a "breathalyzer" test.
What happens depends on whether you're suspected of being intoxicated. If you are not, you will probably have not gone through the entire series of tests anyway, and will be thanked for your cooperation and allowed to leave. If you failed the tests and are believed to be intoxicated, you will not be allowed to drive. How the situation is handled from this point, will depend on you and your cooperation, your criminal record, if any, and the particular situation.
This is a brief description of what to expect in a sobriety checkpoint. The main thing here is not to be afraid, but to understand that the checkpoints make the roads safer for all of us. Most of the MADD volunteers, including this writer, have been through a checkpoint as an "unknown" and have also worked a checkpoint. Although a little intimidating, the experience of going through a checkpoint could be considered educational. One must remember that nationally there are more deaths by automobile, than any other single cause, including homicide, and that close to one half involve intoxicated drivers. The inconvenience of having to go through a checkpoint is minimal, considering the lives it helps to save.
If you have been the victim of a drunk driving incident, please call Loudoun County MADD at (703) 771-8127.