Kimberling City Increasing Holiday DUI/DWI Enforcement
December 12, 2019
The holidays are a time for friends, family and co-workers to come together in celebration. Wherever you are–whether at an office party, a family member’s home or out at the bar–it is essential that you make the lifesaving choice to drive sober when the party ends. To help spread the message about the dangers of drunk driving, Kimberling City Police Department is partnering with the US Department of Transportations National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to get drunk drivers off the roads and help save lives.
The national high-visibility enforcement campaign runs from December 13 to January 1, 2020. During this period, local law enforcement will show zero tolerance for drunk driving, as well as drugged driving, which is on the rise.
Increased state and national messages about the dangers of driving impaired, coupled with enforcement and increased officers on the road, aim to drastically reduce drunk driving on our nation’s roadways.
Sadly, the statistics show that we have a lot of work to do to put an end to drunk driving. According to NHTSA, 10,611 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes in 2018, equating to one person killed every 48 minutes. These crashes account for 29 percent of all 2018 fatalities.
This is why Kimberling City Police Department is working with NHTSA to remind drivers that drunk driving is not only illegal, it is a matter of life and death. As you head out to enjoy holiday festivities, remember, drive sober or get pulled over.
Drunk driving isn’t the only risk on the road. Drug-impaired driving is also an increasing problem on our nation’s roads. If drivers are impaired by any substance, they should not get behind the wheel of a vehicle. Driving while impaired is illegal, period. The bottom line is this, if you feel different, you drive different.
“We understand that during the holidays, people are running around, busily checking off items on their to-do list and attending parties,” said Chief Alexander. “WE need our community members to slow down and remember: It’s up to them to make the smart decision to drive sober. Drunk driving is a huge problem in our country, and, unfortunately, we’re seeing a rise in marijuana use and drugged driving, too. Stay safe and sober on the roads.”
Kimberling City Police Department and NHTSA are reminding citizens of the many resources available to get them home safely. “Impaired driving of any form is not acceptable behavior,” said Chief Alexander. “It is essential to plan a sober ride home before you ever leave for the party. That’s why, druing the holidays, we will make zero exceptions for drunk driving. There are just no excuses,” he said. First and foremost, plan ahead. Be honest with yourself. If you plan to drink, plan for a sober driver to take you home. Is it your turn to be the designated driver? Take that role seriously - your friends are relying on you. Remember that it is never okay to drink and rive. Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver.
Additionally, if you see a drunk driver on the road, contact 911. If you have a friend who is about to drink and drive, take away their keys and make arrangements to get them home safely.
The national high-visibility enforcement campaign runs from December 13 to January 1, 2020. During this period, local law enforcement will show zero tolerance for drunk driving, as well as drugged driving, which is on the rise.
Increased state and national messages about the dangers of driving impaired, coupled with enforcement and increased officers on the road, aim to drastically reduce drunk driving on our nation’s roadways.
Sadly, the statistics show that we have a lot of work to do to put an end to drunk driving. According to NHTSA, 10,611 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes in 2018, equating to one person killed every 48 minutes. These crashes account for 29 percent of all 2018 fatalities.
This is why Kimberling City Police Department is working with NHTSA to remind drivers that drunk driving is not only illegal, it is a matter of life and death. As you head out to enjoy holiday festivities, remember, drive sober or get pulled over.
Drunk driving isn’t the only risk on the road. Drug-impaired driving is also an increasing problem on our nation’s roads. If drivers are impaired by any substance, they should not get behind the wheel of a vehicle. Driving while impaired is illegal, period. The bottom line is this, if you feel different, you drive different.
“We understand that during the holidays, people are running around, busily checking off items on their to-do list and attending parties,” said Chief Alexander. “WE need our community members to slow down and remember: It’s up to them to make the smart decision to drive sober. Drunk driving is a huge problem in our country, and, unfortunately, we’re seeing a rise in marijuana use and drugged driving, too. Stay safe and sober on the roads.”
Kimberling City Police Department and NHTSA are reminding citizens of the many resources available to get them home safely. “Impaired driving of any form is not acceptable behavior,” said Chief Alexander. “It is essential to plan a sober ride home before you ever leave for the party. That’s why, druing the holidays, we will make zero exceptions for drunk driving. There are just no excuses,” he said. First and foremost, plan ahead. Be honest with yourself. If you plan to drink, plan for a sober driver to take you home. Is it your turn to be the designated driver? Take that role seriously - your friends are relying on you. Remember that it is never okay to drink and rive. Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver.
Additionally, if you see a drunk driver on the road, contact 911. If you have a friend who is about to drink and drive, take away their keys and make arrangements to get them home safely.