PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Highway Patrol has announced that sobriety checkpoints will be conducted in 16 different counties throughout the month of January.

The planned enforcement efforts are scheduled to take place in Beadle, Brookings, Brown, Clay, Davison, Day, Hamlin, Hanson, Hughes, Jones, Lawrence, Lincoln, Lyman, Meade, Pennington, and Spink counties.

According to state officials, the monthly checkpoints are part of a proactive strategy designed to discourage impaired driving and improve overall roadway safety. The operations are funded by the South Dakota Office of Highway Safety and are carried out by the Highway Patrol in coordination with local law enforcement agencies across South Dakota.

Authorities remind motorists in Rapid City and across the state to make responsible decisions. Drivers are urged to avoid operating a vehicle after consuming alcohol, regardless of whether a checkpoint is scheduled for their specific area.

State officials recommend that individuals who plan to drink should arrange for a designated sober driver or utilize public or commercial transportation services.

Both the South Dakota Highway Patrol and the South Dakota Office of Highway Safety are agencies of the South Dakota Department of Public Safety.