Billboards flash DWI warning

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) - Electronic billboards around Albuquerque are warning drivers that police will be out in force this weekend.

Albuquerque Public Safety Director Darren White said he hopes this electronic ad will help get the message across to drivers that police will catch them if they drive drunk.

“We are tired of making that knock at the door in the middle of the night to tell another family that they lost a loved one because someone chose to drink and drive,” White said.  “If this billboard can prevent us from doing that for one family, then it's money well spent.”

The black-and-yellow sign shows APD’s new BATmobile and the drunk tank and warns drivers there will be checkpoints in the next few days.  But doesn't say where they'll be.

The Sunday after the checkpoint is done, a bright yellow sign will tell drivers how many arrests were made and how many cars were seized at the checkpoint.

White said it doesn't stop there. ’Then it's our hope that you end up in the newspaper as a convicted drunk driver,” he said referring to paid advertising with the arrest photos of drivers later convicted of drunken driving.

The ad space is being paid for with money made when a vehicle is sold at auction after a DWI seizure.