The numbers tell a sobering story about drunk driving. Nationally, every year, over 10,000 people lose their lives in drunk driving accidents. That's about one every hour, somewhere in the U.S.

Or consider this startling statistic: Over the course of a lifetime, one in every three people will be involved in an alcohol-related motor vehicle accident.

Every time we go out on the road, we're rolling the dice.

Of course, in a civilized society, law enforcement is supposed to be there to protect us. And indeed, drunk driving is a criminal offense.

One step that law enforcement agencies can take is DUI checkpoints. That is what police did over the weekend in Lakewood. The location for the checkpoint was on West Alameda Avenue near South Easton Street, a place where a number of drunk driving arrests have taken place in the past. There have also been several serious drunk driving accidents in or near this location.

The Lakewood checkpoint was part of a statewide initiative called "The 100 Days of Heat." The Colorado State Patrol is assisting with the checkpoints. Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is also participating.

It's good that law enforcement is making this effort. It is downright daunting to consider, however, just how often most drunk drivers go out and drive drunk before they are caught. According to a research study cited by MADD, someone being arrested for drunk driving has, on average, already driven drunk 87 times before that first arrest.

Have you been injured in an alcohol-related auto crash, or has someone in your family has been killed in one? If so, contact an experienced personal injury attorney to discuss your legal options for pursuing compensation.

Source: "Police prepare a weekend DUI checkpoint in Lakewood," Denver Post, 8-5-11