Sobriety Checkpoint Debate Renews Ahead of Texas Session

Advocates for sobriety checkpoints in Texas are aiming to convince state lawmakers next year to crack down harder on drunk drivers.

The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports that Texas continues to lead the nation in drunken-driving deaths. Of the more than 10,000 people killed in alcohol-related crashes nationwide in 2010, nearly 12 percent were in the Lone Star State.

Sobriety checkpoints are allowed in 38 states but have been outlawed in Texas for nearly two decades. No bills related to checkpoints have been filed for the next legislative session that starts in January, but the newspaper reports that lobbying on the issue is already under way.

Other anticipated bills include one to require ignition interlocks to become mandatory for first-time DWI offenders.