DUI Checkpoints Discussion

[DB Dude]

Hey guys, I was just involved in a very heated debate on FB about the constitutionality of DUI checkpoints. I was very curious to get some opinions of car people. The debate was focused around a bill in congress that would ban iPhone apps that divulge the location of DUI checkpoints. I happen to think that DUI checkpoints are a good way to deter drunk driving and even more so to get drunk or drugged people off the road before they kill someone. I don't mind having to go thru a checkpoint for 2 minutes when I'm sober, if it means increased safety for everyone on the roads. And I certainly don't think it should be allowed for apps to tell people where checkpoints are -- it completely negates the point.

My friend however is vehemently opposed to the DUI checkpoints in general, stating that they are an infringment on the 4th amendment which protects people against unreasonable searches. He feels that innocent sober people should not be subjected to checkpoints simple as a justification to weed out the DUI'ers. Furthermore, he believes that there is nothing wrong with the app that tells people where the checkpoints are.

Discuss.

[Dustin]

Your friend is an idiot, and the only "search" happens when they suspect you of being under the influence.

The app is no different from people sending mass texts to their friends about checkpoints which even I am guilty of

[FocusDude]

They will ban the app, and just like every other stupid feel good law this stupid government passes, people will find a way around it.

Sign up for Twitter feeds for the counties you frequent, a website, something else will pop up.

I have a problem with check points in general (dui, seatbelt, truck inspection)... there are people in Philly and Camden killing innocent people.... PROTECT AND SERVE, stop impeding traffic in hopes to prevent anything and everything. Even things that won't happen-

[RedBowTies88]

I wouldn't have a problem with them if they only looked for DUI suspects instead if hassling you about everything illegal on your car

[ho1ywars]

Originally Posted by RedBowTies88

I wouldn't have a problem with them if they only looked for DUI suspects instead if hassling you about everything illegal on your car

i agree

[c0nfl1kt]

This isn't any different than people being subjected to searches at Airports to weed out possible terror threats.

Also, can you link to a story about this being a proposed bill? Last time I read about it it was a conressional request to the app makers to "modify" the apps. There is no bill, so both of you are wrong in that department. That clarification might have avoided the whole debate as congress isn't out to making apps like that unconstitutional. By the way, Google refused to remove them and Apple is on the fence. RIM already said they would remove them.

Source:Engadget

Senate Majority leader Harry Reid and his fellow Democrats have decided to use their powers of political persuasion to address the issue and ask Google, Apple, and RIM to pull such apps from their respective stores.

[Supraru]

I really don't think the app is a big deal. I'm almost 100% positive the reason they are allowed to do dui check points is because they are published in the news paper already letting you know where they will be and what time. If you aren't smart enough to read the paper before you go out to drink and drive then you deserve to get caught. This app just makes it easier for people to check. I see both sides of the argument but for me I'd prefer safety. I'd rather a friend or family get in a head on collision with a drunk driver who lives while someone I know dies.

[Bane]

that app is like radar detectors, it might be a few people out of trouble but the large majority of individuals will still get stopped

DUI check points can actually save you from yourself, get stopped and get a DUI or turn the next corner and kill a family of 5

drunk drivers get no slack, ever

have the anti checkpoint crew lose a family member to a drunk driver and see if they sing the same tune

[JerseyTuscani]

Originally Posted by Supraru

I really don't think the app is a big deal. I'm almost 100% positive the reason they are allowed to do dui check points is because they are published in the news paper already letting you know where they will be and what time. If you aren't smart enough to not go out to drink and drive then you deserve to get caught. This app just makes it easier for people to check. I see both sides of the argument but for me I'd prefer safety. I'd rather a friend or family get in a head on collision with a drunk driver who lives while someone I know dies.

fixed for ya.

[Supraru]

Originally Posted by JerseyTuscani

fixed for ya.

That statement wasn't my intended point. If you drink and drive you're clearly not smart enough to actually look in the paper where they tell you there is going to be a check point.

The way you have it would make me seem like I think my crap doesn't stink. I'm not like that. People can do what they like. I remember being younger and driving when I shouldn't have twice. I'm just glad I didn't hurt anyone and didn't hurt myself. I learned my lesson the second time when I thought about how dumb I was and from then on I choose to drink responsibly.

[c0nfl1kt]

Chances are that if you are drunk enough to cause harm you will harm yourself either way. I'd sacrifice a few minutes and get checked out for the greater good for possibly saving a few lives.

[WolfsFang]

im 85% sure if someone is drunk the last thing they gana look at is their phone.

[Erik]

like said before, being hassled for something not relevant to a DUI, during a routine DUI checkpoint stop, shouldnt be allowed. I feel like that is kind of like setting you up or using a DUI stop as an excuse to ticket for anything. If you are running open headers at 1 in the morning, different story, but to deal with other cosmetic things, taken too far.

But to negate my own arguement, when is it appropriate to cite a driver for illegal modifications or inspections?

[c0nfl1kt]

Originally Posted by WolfsFang

im 85% sure if someone is drunk the last thing they gana look at is their phone.

Not that, dude. If they are smart, like I am, you make a plan for after you are drunk on how to get home. Idiots that try to improvise after the fact deserve it. Every time I plan to drink far from home I either line up a ride, get some taxi cab number in my phone or make sure that If I have to drive(which has been never) I have a route planned out in my head. Maybe I am special where I can still think after I'm drunk, but that's what I do. Last time I got blasted drunk I ended up walking about 5 miles home at 0200.

[Bates]

I hate DUI checkpoints but I understand their purpose and deal with them. Why do I hate them then: Cops will still pull me over and give me a ticket for my license plate or something stupid like that.

[jjm4life]

my uncle is a quadriplegic because he was hit by a drunk driver with no insurance over 30 years ago. i lived in manayunk and always partied downtown. i went through countless checkpoints over the years and never had a problem. so its a 2 min inconvenience, big deal. the 2 mins is worth the hassle knowing it saves lives.

[FocusDude]

Originally Posted by Bane

that app is like radar detectors, it might be a few people out of trouble but the large majority of individuals will still get stopped

DUI check points can actually save you from yourself, get stopped and get a DUI or turn the next corner and kill a family of 5

drunk drivers get no slack, ever

have the anti checkpoint crew lose a family member to a drunk driver and see if they sing the same tune

I agree with the first three statements, but the last one I can not agree with. Legislation should not be crafted nor supported due to the emotional feelings of some. Because my opinion on something changes does not mean it should be a law.

I'm not saying DUI's are not a problem, I'm just saying the municipalities staff and resources could be better used then sitting and waiting for skip to come through and blow over a .8 or whatever it is-

I believe a officer driving around and watching the public will do more good then standing at a fixed point waiting for what may never happen.

[jpalamar]

DUI check points aren't a big deal. It takes minutes to go through them. If your that much of a **** up that it bothers you then you need help.

[FocusDude]

Originally Posted by jpalamar

....then you need help.

I probably do

[96Clipse]

I often hit checkpoints in my area because I drive a lot of main roads in the early AMs and I have no problems with slowing down to pass through it, I just wish they didn't shine those damn lights straight in my eyes, its ****ing early man chill with that ****, check my pupils another way.