The St. Joseph Police Department will conduct a sobriety checkpoint during the month of June. This checkpoint is funded by the Missouri Department of Transportation.

The goal of the checkpoint is to deter impaired driving and promote safer roadways. In 2011, 220 people were killed in crashes involving impaired drivers. The sobering fact is that impaired drivers contribute to nearly 30% of all Missouri traffic fatalities.

If you cause a fatal crash, as an impaired driver, you could be charged with involuntary manslaughter and face a prison sentence of up to 7 years and a $5000 fine. Other consequences for driving while impaired include loss of driver’s license, ignition interlock requirements, increased insurance rates, and court and attorney fees.