By Grant Bissell

Alton, IL (KSDK) - Memorial Day weekend is one of the deadliest on the nation's roads.

The number of crashes and deaths related to alcohol are higher than any other holiday, and you can expect to see lots of DUI checkpoints.

But a new Facebook page may cut into how many drunk drivers police might catch.

Simply put, it's a place where drivers can post the locations of DUI checkpoints and speed traps.

And it's got some people in Alton downright angry.

Alton DUI was created on May 15th. Some recent posts include "Seatbelt check, Broadway by the bridge," "State cop getting bikers on Broadway," and "Seatbelt check on the circle folks."

With officers expecting a lot of drunk drivers this weekend, some say this page is a bad idea.

"If the police are out there let them do their job and get drunk drivers off the road because the person they save could be your family member," said Bonnie Allison, an Alton resident.

If you check out Alton DUI's page you'll see it has nearly 600 followers. Some worry that means nearly 600 potential drunk drivers will know where the checkpoints are and how to avoid getting caught. But Police Chief David Hayes says that's not likely.

"They don't take into account that we have roving patrols that intercept these types of infractions 24 hours a day seven days a week," said Chief Hayes.

Hayes says this is nothing new. Word spreads every time there's a checkpoint. This is a just a new way of doing it.

"I don't think it's a big deal. It won't revolutionize the way people avoid dui checkpoints or anything," said Scott Houthaus.

"Checking a page like that, it might help, but it don't think it's going to change the way people get by DUI checkpoints at all," said resident Tony Weiss.

The creator of the page posted a message saying in part, "This page has been created to prevent the harassment of people having a good time in a responsible manner, not for people to hurt themselves or others."

But people NewsChannel 5 spoke with just aren't buying that.

"What else would be the point of the page? It's sort of like saying if you drink in this area you're cool go ahead and drink," said resident Dennis Howard.

NewsChannel 5 reached out to the page's creator for comment but never heard back.

Chief Hayes says regardless of its intent, this page may actually have a positive effect.

He says his officers usually catch at least 4 or 5 drunk drivers every time they do one of these checkpoints.

And he doesn't think the Facebook page will have any impact on their effectiveness. He'd like to remind everyone to be sure to wear your seatbelt and stay safe this holiday weekend.

 

KSDK