More than 1,100 cars checked at DWI checkpoints - KOAM TV 7

More than 1,100 cars checked at DWI checkpoints

Updated April 4, 2011 at 4:40 PM CST:  The Jasper County Sheriff's Department was busy cracking down on impaired drivers over this past weekend's "No Refusal" weekend.

Checkpoint results according to the sheriff's department:

• 1,105 cars checked
• 13 people total taken to jail
• 5 arrested Friday night for DWI
• 6 breathalyzer tests on Saturday, with 4 refusals
• 2 arrested for DWI by drugs
• 1 arrested for driving while suspended
• 2 warrant arrests issued

Reported April 1, 2011 at 4:37 PM CST:  Southwest Missouri law enforcement increases their efforts to enforce a new DWI law.

Beginning tonight the DWI task force will be cracking down on impaired drivers while promoting a new "no refusal" law.

During Jasper County's first ever "no refusal" weekend law enforcement will be posted at several checkpoints throughout the county, but these checkpoints will be a little different than the previous ones.

Friday night and Saturday night a judge and prosecutor will be on site to sign a warrant allowing them to draw blood on the spot.

"Everybody knows it's against the law to drink and drive, however, we're trying to promote the new law that's coming through that it's no refusal," says Captain Derek Walrod of the Jasper County Sheriff's Office.  "Driving is a privilege so don't drink and drive."

The new law went into effect August 28, 2010 and states drivers can no longer refuse to take a blood alcohol test.

Officers say this is yet another stronger attempt to reduce serious injuries and deaths caused by drunk driving.