As an experienced DWI attorney, I’m constantly watching for any DWI law news around the country.
An article from LA Weekly recently caught my eye, highlighting an application that may help to reduce the number of people driving under the influence.
As the law struggles to keep up with technology, a Santa Monica, California man is using social media to warn Los Angeles drivers about DUI checkpoints.
MrCheckpoint, the free app created by Sennett Devermont, has been downloaded by thousands of smartphone users. The app provides daily updates on the locations of police DWI checkpoints scheduled throughout Southern California.
MrCheckpoint has over 44,000 followers on Twitter and 20,000 text subscribers.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) argue that Devermont is doing a disservice to the Southern California community, helping drunk drivers escape the legal consequences of their actions and putting others in harm’s way.
Devermont argues, however, that evading checkpoints isn’t the intention of MrCheckpoint. Instead, he views the app as a prevention tool that makes people think before getting behind the wheel.
The location of DWI checkpoints, as a matter of drivers’ constitutional rights, must be publicized beforehand.
The app was created in 2012 and is continually gaining followers. Devermont doesn’t pay for any advertising, as MrCheckpoint’s capabilities are spread around the web via Twitter, Facebook, and other social media.
In no way do I mean to promote or denounce MrCheckpoint or any other type of DWI checkpoint alert system, but I feel this app and service demonstrates how quickly technology and the law are intersecting. MrCheckpoint is currently useful to Southern California residents, and I expect app developers in other states, cities, and regions to follow this template and produce similar applications with local information.
Before you get in the car, be smart about how much you’ve had to drink. If you are ever suspected of driving under the influence, be sure to immediately contact an experienced DWI attorney.
