Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety Cracks Down on Impaired Drivers

You Drink & Drive. You Lose. is the message Missourians heard this summer during the annual campaign to stop those driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. And that is the same advice that will be given as the impaired driving campaign continues over the coming holiday season.

The statewide summer campaign began mid-August with radio advertising about the dangers of impaired driving. Increased enforcement by state and local law enforcement agencies began Aug. 17 and continued through Labor Day.

During the enforcement period, more than 700 agencies participated and 318 DWI arrests were made. Officers issued 250 citations for safety belt violations, 11 child safety seat violations and 1,448 speeding violations. Fifty-six felony arrests were made and 120 fugitives were apprehended. Officers also recovered seven stolen vehicles.

You Drink & Drive. You Lose. will also be the message for the holiday campaign running Nov. 19 - Dec. 16. Radio advertisements are planned in the metropolitan areas of Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield, Columbia, Joplin, St. Joseph and Cape Girardeau.

We are all part of the solution. Please consider the following tips:

• Don’t risk it – if you plan to drive, don’t drink.
• Encourage safe driving behaviors among family, friends and co-workers.
• Choose a designated driver before partying. A designated driver is someone who drinks NO alcohol at all.
• Take mass transit, a taxicab or ask a friend to drive you home.
• Party hosts should include alcohol-free beverages.
• Spend the night where the activity is being held.
• Report impaired drivers to law enforcement.
• Always wear your safety belt – it’s your best defense against an impaired driver.

For more information regarding impaired driving and to listen to the scheduled ads, visit www.saveMOlives.com.