Columbia Police Department Cracking Down On Impaired Drivers

               Columbia Police Department Cracking Down On Impaired Drivers

     As part of the Columbia Police Department's continued efforts to remove impaired drivers from our roadways, enforcemeent efforts will be increased July 3, 2015 - July 5, 2015. The Columbia Police Department received a grant from 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 tolence 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 $1,000.00, 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 priveileges are reinstated.

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