POLICE PLAN TO SEEK OUT DRUNKEN DRIVERS

Members of the Cape Girardeau Police Department will be out in force this weekend manning sobriety checkpoints in an effort to reduce incidents of drunken driving over the holiday weekend.

"Labor Day Weekend marks the closing of the summer vacation season," said Chief Rick Hetzel. "During this, as in any holiday season, the potential for alcohol-related traffic crashes increases."

He said the checkpoints are being set up as a way to ensure the safety of citizens on the streets and highways of Cape Girardeau.

"Continued aggressive enforcement coupled with community partnerships and education will further our efforts to combat these senseless tragedies," Hetzel said.

The sobriety checkpoints are being held in conjunction with National Sobriety Checkpoint Week Sept. Tuesday through Monday, a week established by the national office of Mothers Against Drunk Driving. The national campaign not only coincides with the holiday weekend but with the first anniversary of Princess Diana's death in an accident involving a driver impaired by alcohol.