Troopers from the Indiana State Police Versailles Post will conduct a sobriety checkpoint Friday and Saturday at an undisclosed location in Jackson County.

Drivers passing through the checkpoint area should have their licenses and registrations ready to present to troopers and will only be detained briefly while troopers determine whether further investigation is necessary, according to a news release from Sgt. Stephen Wheeles, public information officer for the Versailles Post.

The purpose of sobriety checkpoints is to remove motorists from the highways who are alcohol- or drug-impaired and pose a danger to those who use the roadways. Impaired drivers are responsible for billions of dollars in property damage, personal injury and death annually, according to the news release.

To help to ensure your weekend is safe and enjoyable, observe the following tips:

• Plan ahead and always use a designated driver.
• Don’t get behind the wheel of a vehicle if you’ve been consuming alcoholic beverages; call a taxi, a family member or a friend who has not been drinking to give you a ride.
• If you are hosting a party, always offer alcohol-free beverages and make sure all of your guests leave with a sober driver or allow them to spend the night.
• Remember, friends don’t let friends drive drunk. Take the keys and never let a friend leave your sight if you think that they are about to drive while impaired.

If you see a vehicle exhibiting erratic driving behavior, call 911 and give a complete description of the vehicle, its location and direction of travel. These reports can be made anonymously.