Hays right on track with DUI patrols

The roving police patrols taking place in Hays tonight are the most effective way to maximize DUI arrests and save taxpayer money ("Hays Police to conduct saturation patrol Friday night," July 2). Counties nationwide should adopt similar efforts.

Studies on traffic safety confirm this type of police unit (also known as a "saturation" patrol) is the best way to get the worst drunk drivers off the road. Unlike highly publicized sobriety checkpoints that broadcast their locations in advance, roving patrols cover wide, unannounced areas, so chronic drunk drivers can't plan ahead to avoid them.

Furthermore, roving patrols are up to 10 times more effective than checkpoints for only a fraction of the cost.

Many cities disregard this evidence and continue to funnel taxpayer money into ineffective, intrusive roadblocks. However, with their roving police patrols, Hays has the right idea.

Sarah Longwell

managing director of American Beverage Institute, Washington