The efforts of the Columbia Police Department, Boone County Sheriff’s Department and the University of Missouri Police Department to increase patrol during the weekend of March 16 and 17, St. Patrick’s Day, focusing on impaired drivers yielded positive results. During the saturation patrol, a total of 50 traffic stops were conducted. Of the 50 traffic stops, six drivers preformed Standardised Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs). Two drivers were arrested for Driving While Intoxicated, two drug arrests were made, two Driving While Suspended/Revoked arrests were made and one stolen firearm was recovered.

The Columbia Police Department wants to remind everyone that there are simple things that you can do if you have been consuming alcoholic beverages:

• Agree on a sober chauffeur before you begin drinking, and that person is the only person that has the car keys.
• Never drink on an empty stomach.
• If you are drinking at a friend’s house, stay the night so you aren’t tempted to drive home.
• Call a taxi or rideshare service.

Original Press Release(s):

Columbia Police to increase enforcement of impaired driving laws this weekend