Sheriff’s office sponsors inaugural ‘Red Lights for Christmas’ joint operation
The Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office has created a new multi-agency traffic safety mission — Red Lights for Christmas — aimed at targeting drivers who illegally run red lights and stop signs.
Joining the sheriff’s office in the effort will be the Midwest City Police Department, The Village Police Department, the Bethany Police Department, the Warr Acres Police Department and the Harrah Police Department.
Mark Myers, sheriff’s office spokesman, said Red Lights for Christmas is a new traffic safety mission created by Oklahoma County Sheriff John Whetsel. Myers said the purpose of Red Lights for Christmas will be targeting drivers who illegally run red lights and stop signs. The operation will last through the end of December.
Consider these Oklahoma County statistics:
• In 2008 there were 8,358 collisions reported at intersections.
• January 2009 to October 31, 2009 there were 7,101 collisions reported at intersections.
• January 2008 to October 31, 2009 there were 680 alcohol related collisions.
Due to these numbers the multi-agency effort will target drivers running red lights and stop signs.
Sheriff’s office announces December sobriety checkpoint
The Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office will conduct another sobriety checkpoint later this month at an undisclosed location.
Mark Myers, sheriff office spokesman, said the operation will consist of the sobriety checkpoint and saturation patrols in Oklahoma County. The checkpoint will focus on alcohol-related offenses through very visible and active law enforcement, Myers said.
Deputies will stop vehicles passing through the checkpoint and ask for driver’s licenses, Myers said. Any driver suspected of operating a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be directed to a safe area off the roadway for further observation and possible testing for intoxication, he said.
The checkpoint will begin at 10:30 p.m. Dec. 12 and end at 3 a.m. Dec. 13.
The maximum penalty in Oklahoma for a first time DUI conviction is one year in jail, a $1,000 fine and six months revocation of drivers’ license. The Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office attempts to conduct at least one sobriety checkpoint each month.
