Columbia police to conduct traffic safety checkpoints over the weekend

Several law enforcement agencies will be conducting traffic safety checkpoints around Columbia this weekend in order to crack down on drunk drivers, speeding and other traffic violations, officials said.

Columbia Police Chief Skip Holbrook said the checkpoints will be set up near a major interstate and an entertainment district, but he did not specify the checkpoints’ locations.

Officers from the South Carolina Highway Patrol and the University of South Carolina’s Division of Law Enforcement and Safety will be assisting the Columbia police in enforcing the checkpoints, Holbrook said.

Holbrook said every vehicle entering the checkpoint will be stopped. Officers will check for:

▪  Valid driver’s license

▪  Possible impairment

▪  Seat belt use

▪  Proper child restraints (when applicable)

▪  Any other violations of law that may be observed

Holbrook offered these safety tips for motorists:

▪  Find a designated driver if you are planning on consuming alcohol

▪  Wear your seat belt

▪  Obey the rules of the road

▪  Do not speed

▪  Do not text and drive