DUI checkpoints to take place in Somerset County

SOMERSET COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) — Pennsylvania State Police announced that DUI checkpoints will be set up in Somerset County throughout August.

In an effort to combat and deter impaired drivers on the roadways, PSP will be performing sobriety checkpoints within the next 30 days. Drivers, as well as the general public, are reminded to drive sober, safely and conduct themselves responsibly.

Although alcohol-related crashes accounted for approximately 8% of the total crashes in 2021, they resulted in 25% of all deadly crashes. In 2021 , alcohol-related crashes increased from 7,770 to 9,220. Fatalities also saw a notable increase from 293 to 311.

Most alcohol-related crashes in Pennsylvania occur between 8:00 p.m. – 4:00 a.m. In total, around 194 of the 311 crashes reported in 2021 occurred in the mentioned timeframe. Saturdays and Sundays accounted for the most amount of alcohol-related crashes, totaling 134 out of the 311 .

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If driving under the influence does not cost a person their life, it will cost them in the wallet. For example, a traffic fine for a DUI in Pennsylvania can cost between $300-$10,000 depending on the person’s blood alcohol content and number of offenses.

Drivers can also face towing, impounding, legal, alcohol evaluation, rehabilitation, education, license restoration and insurance fees depending on the severity of the situation.

Best way to avoid all of the fees? Drive sober or get pulled over.

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