None high, all dry: Troopers check more than 350 drivers during holiday

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Out of more than 350 drivers who went through Illinois State Police safety checkpoints in the metro-east during the holiday weekend, not one was cited for driving under the influence.

Drivers were less sober during an Edwardsville detail. And officers will be out again in Dupo this coming weekend.

Troopers conducted checks Thursday on the Illinois side of the McKinley Bridge and on Friday troopers manned a safety checkpoint on Illinois 3 at West Chain of Rocks Road near Granite City.

"There were over 350 vehicles that proceeded through these checkpoints and to have no DUI's was exceptional," said Illinois State Police District 11 Commander Jerry Culp. "We salute the motorists that arranged for a designated driver or remained at the location the alcohol was consumed. The roadside safety check is a great tool to encourage the motoring public to comply with valid licenses, valid insurance, occupant restraint and not having open alcohol in a vehicle."

Troops issued 54 citations and written warnings during the McKinley Bridge checkpoint Thursday. Of those citations, four were for open alcohol violations and 12 arrests were made on outstanding warrants.

During the Granite City checkpoint troopers issued 59 citations and written warnings. Of those, 12 were citations for open alcohol violations and one for failing to properly secure a child in a safety seat or seat belt. Four people were arrested on outstanding warrants.

Some of the safety checks were funded through a grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation, Division of Traffic Safety.

In Edwardsville, seven motorists were arrested for driving under the influence as a result of special police details from June 19 to July 6. The Edwardsville Police Department issued a total of 169 citations during the enforcement period.

Also, the Dupo Police Department and the Illinois State Police will conduct a DUI checkpoint from 10 p.m. Friday to 2 a.m. Saturday in the village.

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