Don't Lose Your Freedom by Driving Drunk

Law enforcement seeking impaired drivers.

JEFFERSON CITY – The Fourth of July is notorious for alcohol-impaired driving crashes. State and local law enforcement will be out in full force July 3–7 seeking impaired drivers through increased sobriety checkpoints and roving and saturation patrols.
The theme is straightforward, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over. No warnings. No excuses. Those who drive impaired will be arrested. Don’t risk losing your independence by choosing to drink and drive.

“Holidays need to be about family fun, not senseless tragedies caused by impaired driving,” said Leanna Depue, executive committee chair for the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety. There were four people killed and 21 seriously injured in Missouri traffic crashes over this holiday weekend in 2012. Two of the fatalities and five of the serious injuries involved an impaired driver.

 Violators risk killing or harming others, face jail time, the loss of their driver licenses, higher insurance rates and dozens of other unanticipated expenses from attorney fees, fines and court costs, car towing and repairs, and lost time at work.

The Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety recommends these simple tips to avoid a drunk-driving disaster:

·        Plan a safe way home before the fun begins.
·        Before drinking, designate a sober driver.
·        If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation so you are sure to get home safely.
·        If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to call 911.
·        Always wear your seat belt. It’s your best defense in any traffic crash. For more information, visit saveMOlives.com, or find them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, #saveMOlives and #drivesoberMO.