Wentzville Police: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over

From mid-August through Labor Day, local police will be out in force as part of the annual nationwide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” crackdown on drunk driving. 

“Research has shown that high visibility enforcement like the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign reduces drunk driving fatalities by as much as 20 percent," Chief Lisa Harrison said. "By joining this nationwide effort, we will make Wentzville’s roadways safer for everyone throughout the Labor Day period."

The crackdown which will include high visibility enforcement throughout Wentzville will run from August 16 through September 2.

“Driving drunk is simply not worth the risk. So don’t take the chance. Remember, we will be out in force and we will be watching, so ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” said Chief Lisa Harrison.

Although it is illegal in all 50 states to drive drunk (having a blood alcohol concentration of .08 percent or higher), far too many people across the nation get behind the wheel after consuming too much alcohol. The latest statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration underscores the serious nature of the nation’s continuing drunk driving epidemic.

“Every year about one third of all motor vehicle deaths involve one or more impaired drivers or motorcycle operators”, said Chief Lisa Harrison. “In 2012, 230 people died in Missouri crashes involving impaired drivers. That works out to approximately one impaired driving fatality every 1.5 days.”

Chief Lisa Harrison added that holidays such as the Labor Day weekend are particularly dangerous. In 2012, three people were killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes involving impaired drivers or motorcycle riders. Of those fatalities, one occurred at noon and the other two occurred at 10 p.m.

Chief Lisa Harrison noted that being arrested for driving drunk brings a wide range of negative consequences into one’s life. Drunk drivers face jail time, loss of their driver’s licenses, and steep financial consequences such as higher insurance rates, attorney fees, court costs, lost time at work, and the potential loss of a job. When family, friends and co-workers find out, violators also face tremendous personal embarrassment.

For more information, visit the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” Campaign Headquarters at www.Traffic SafetyMarketing.gov,   or www.saveMOlives.com.