Law enforcement across Missouri stepping up DWI enforcement during holiday season

Law Enforcement agencies across Missouri are stepping up enforcement to make sure drivers are safe during the holiday season.

From December 15 through January 1, 2018, police departments will be working to keep impaired drivers off the road.

Jefferson City Police Department will join the police departments across the state during this initiative.

In 2016, during the holiday counting period, 44 people were killed and 193 were seriously injured in crashes. Of those crashes, seven were fatal and 44 were seriously injured due to impaired driving.

Statewide, in 2016 there were 233 people were killed and 700 were seriously injured on Missouri roads.

“It’s never worth the risk to drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The only safe driver is the one that is completely sober,” said Police Chief Roger Schroeder.

Police departments say impaired driving crashes are preventable:

– Don’t ride with someone who has been drinking.

– Don’t allow someone to drive if he or she has been drinking.

– Chose a designated driver before going out.

-Always wear a seatbelt

If you are on the roads and see an impaired driver, law enforcement encourages you to report it to them immediately.