CPD increasing measures to prevent impaired driving
According to a press release from the Columbia Police Department, there will be an increase in enforcement to prevent impaired driving.
“In efforts to improve the safety of Columbia roadways, the Columbia Police Department is stepping up enforcement on impaired driving between April 24, 2017 and April 30, 2017. Motorists can expect to encounter Sobriety Checkpoints and increased impaired driving saturation patrols during this time.”
The release also points out that over 3,000 people in Missouri are killed because of crashes linked to alcohol, and that the Columbia Police Department DWI Unit arrested over 200 drivers impaired by alcohol and/or drugs in 2016.
You can read the full release below:
CPD cracking down on impaired driving 4/24/17-4/30/17
(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 Columbia roadways, the Columbia Police Department is stepping up enforcement on impaired driving between April 24, 2017 and April 30, 2017. Motorists can expect to encounter Sobriety Checkpoints and increased impaired driving saturation patrols during this time. Those traveling the roadways in Columbia can expect minimal delays and the Columbia Police Department wishes to thank motorists in advance for their patience and cooperation.
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). In 2016, the Columbia Police Department DWI Unit arrested over 200 drivers impaired by alcohol and/or drugs. 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 DWI Unit 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 Officer Clint Sinclair, DWI Unit officer. “The effects of impaired driving can be far reaching and in some cases, tragic and devastating.”
These events are funded through a grant from the Missouri Department of Transportation Division of Highway Safety.
