Law enforcement agencies partnering to crack down on impaired driving 3/15-3/18/18

(COLUMBIA, MO) -

Each year in the state of Missouri, over 3,000 people are killed or injured in alcohol-related crashes. In efforts to improve the safety of Boone County/Columbia roadways, local law enforcement agencies, including the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Boone County Sheriff's Department, University of Missouri Police Department, and the Columbia Police Department, are stepping up enforcement on impaired driving March 15-18. Motorists can expect to see more officers, deputies, and troopers on patrol specifically focused on removing impaired drivers from the roadways.

Missouri law states a person commits the crime of driving while intoxicated if they operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, illicit drugs, and/or prescription medications, regardless of his/her blood alcohol concentration (BAC). On average, a person is killed every 53 minutes in an alcohol related crash in the United States and every 2 minutes someone is injured as a result of an impaired driver.

The Columbia Police Department encourages use of alternatives to impaired driving through designated drivers, ride-sharing programs, and available public transportation.

"Call a friend, call an Uber, or hail a cab, just do not get behind the wheel of vehicle if you've been drinking" says Sgt. Clint Sinclair. "The effects of impaired driving can be far reaching and in some cases, tragic and devastating."

This event is funded through a grant from the Missouri Department of Transportation Division of Highway Safety.