Grand Canyon, Ariz. - On Dec. 28, during the peak of the holiday season, a sobriety safety checkpoint was conducted in Grand Canyon National Park.
According to Grand Canyon's Chief Ranger Bill Wright, "During the holidays, alcohol plays a major role in many of the traffic accidents and deaths that occur around the country. Here in Grand Canyon National Park, we wanted to do something proactive to raise awareness about this issue and to ensure public safety."
Almost 60 vehicles passed through the checkpoint which educated visitors about the dangers of driving while impaired. In addition, eight citations were issued for violations ranging from failure to wear a seatbelt to open container violations. No arrests were made.
Grand Canyon National Park intends to continue to raise awareness about alcohol-related accidents which cause almost one-third (1/3) of all US traffic fatalities each year (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.)
For additional information, please contact Public Affairs Specialist Shannan Marcak at
928-638-7958.
-NPS-
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
