Branson, MO
Local and state law enforcement officials plan to send a strong message to drivers over the next couple of weeks.The statewide campaign “You Drink and Drive. You Lose,” aimed at stopping motorists from driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, will get under way today as area and state law enforcement officials crack down on impaired drivers. The campaign runs through Labor Day.
While officials are patrolling the state’s roadways, Missouri Department of Transportation message boards will also be reminding drivers to stay safe, displaying the campaign’s message.
“DWI enforcement is a priority with the Missouri State Highway Patrol 365 days a year,” said Col. James Keathly, the superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
Keathly’s message to drivers is , “If you are stopped and found to be intoxicated, you will be arrested.”
During 2007, 243 people died in more than 7,700 alcohol-related crashes in Missouri. Last year, in Missouri someone was killed or injured every 1.7 hours in alcohol-related crashes.
Locally, both Stone and Taney counties’ law enforcement agencies will also be stepping up enforcement and cracking down on drivers, in their endeavor to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries caused by impaired drivers.
“Driving while intoxicated is one of the most common violent crimes,” said Branson Police Chief Caroll McCullough. “These tragedies are preventable when drivers make a simple, smart choice not to drink and drive.”
To help with the overtime, Branson Police officers will be putting in between now and Sept. 1, the city has received a $2,800 grant.
Officials said those caught drinking and driving could lose their licenses, be required to pay fines and face possible jail time.
Hollister is just one of the many other local communities to join the statewide campaign.
“Drinking and driving is a problem everywhere,” Hollister Police Chief Preston Schmidt said. “We will be stepping up our enforcement during those dates.”
Although Hollister does not have a grant to help with overtime costs, Schmidt said the police department is in the process of applying for a grant to assist with the next statewide campaign.