Evaluation of Checkpoint Tennessee: Tennessee\u2019s Statewide Sobriety Checkpoint Program

NHTSA - Behavioral Safety Researchhttps://doi.org/10.21949/15254541999PDFTech ReportLacey, John H.Jones, R. K. (Ralph K.)Smith, Randall G.Mid-America Research InstituteUnited States. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Office of Research and Traffic RecordsUnited States. Department of Transportation. National Highway Traffic Safety AdministrationUnited StatesTennesseeSobriety checkpointsDrunk drivingPublic information programsSafety programsImpaired driversAlcohol useDOT-HS-808-841DTNH22-94-C-05064Fell, JamesFinal reportTennessee implemented an extensive statewide sobriety checkpoint program (Checkpoint Tennessee). Checkpoints were scheduled on each weekend of the year in at least four counties in the state. On five weekends checkpoints were scheduled in each of the state's 95 counties. The volume of checkpoints increased from about 15 in the preceding year to nearly 900 in the program year. Grant funds were used to support training and equipment but checkpoints were staffed using existing personnel resources. Extensive checkpoint activity was continued after the formal program completion. The checkpoint activity was publicized extensively both through public service advertising and earned media. Interrupted time series analyses were used to evaluate the program. The program resulted in a 20.4% reduction in alcohol related crashes extending at least 21 months after conclusion of the formal program. This resulted in a savings of nine fatal alcohol-related crashes per month in Tennessee.129