DUI checkpoints planned at Mead

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Friday, April 5, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.

Visitors to the Lake Mead National Recreation Area this weekend may be asked to make a short stop as park rangers conduct checkpoints to weed out drunken drivers.

Park rangers planned a checkpoint at the Overton Beach access road today, and one near Government Wash access road on Saturday.

DUI checkpoints are set up to deter motorists from driving while intoxicated on drugs and/or alcohol. Checkpoints last year during the Easter weekend netted over 20 offenders.

"Compared to the numbers of people who use Lake Mead, 20 arrests may seem like a small number," said Park Ranger Michael Blandford, who is coordinating the checkpoints. "However, each one of these drivers represents a potentially serious accident or fatality."