City of Columbia Missouri Police Department

600 E. Walnut Street
Columbia, MO 65201

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 16, 2015

CONTACT: Officer Scott Lenger
D.W.I. Enforcement Unit
(573) 874-7652
[email protected]create new email

Columbia Police Department Cracking Down on Impaired Drivers

(COLUMBIA, MO) -

As part of the Columbia Police Department's continued efforts to remove impaired drivers from our roadways, enforcement efforts will be increased February 19, 2015 - February 21, 2015.  The Columbia Police Department received a grant form the Missouri Department of Transportation's Highway Safety Division to stop people from driving while intoxicated.  A portion of the increased focus on impaired driving during these dates will include at least one sobriety checkpoint within the City of Columbia, as well as increased saturation patrols.  Motorists encountering sobriety checkpoint should expect minimal delays.

           

In 2013, 757 people were killed on Missouri roadways.  Impaired driving contributed to nearly 30 percent of those deaths.  Missouri has a Zero Tolerance law.  If you are under 21, your license will be suspended if you're caught driving with even a trace of alcohol in your body.  If you cause a fatal crash while intoxicated, you could be charged with Involuntary Manslaughter, a felony punishable by up to 7 years in prison, a $5,000 fine, or both.  Your license can be suspended for 90 days on your first arrest for driving while intoxicated.  Your second offense results in a year-long revocation of your license, a fine of up to $1,000, and up to one year in jail.  Any person guilty of a second or subsequent alcohol-related traffic offense will be required to have an ignition interlock device installed on their vehicle before their driving privileges are reinstated.

           

"Impaired driving is a preventable crime, and the Columbia Police Department will continue to have a zero-tolerance approach to those who choose to drink and drive on Columbia's roadways."



City of Columbia Vision
Columbia is the best place for everyone to live, work, learn and play.

City of Columbia Mission
To serve the public equitably through democratic, transparent and efficient government.

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