KHP 2022-23: KHP to Conduct Sobriety Checkpoint in Cherokee County

The Kansas Highway Patrol, Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, and Galena Police Department will conduct a sobriety checkpoint the weekend of September 2nd, 2022, on K-66 at Schermerhorn Rd, in Galena, KS.

A sobriety checkpoint, intended to remove impaired drivers, will be set up on K-66, in Cherokee County.  “The purpose of these checkpoints,” said Lieutenant Michael O’Hara, “is to decrease traffic crashes through awareness and enforcement.”

Sobriety checkpoints are aimed at reducing collision rates by identifying impaired drivers. The goal of this checkpoint is to encourage compliance with the alcohol related statutes of this state, by removing drivers from Kansas roadways that are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

Annually about 10,000 persons are killed in alcohol related traffic crashes, averaging one alcohol related fatality every 50 minutes.  These deaths constitute approximately 29% of the total traffic fatalities.

Traffic related deaths are the greatest single cause of death for children ages 0 to 19 years of age.

The proportion of fatal crashes that are alcohol related is about three times greater at night than during the day.

We appreciate the patience and cooperation from all citizens involved with the checkpoint.

CONTACT: Lieutenant Michael O’Hara, (620) 431-2100