NEWS RELEASE

For further information please contact: Sgt. D.S. Bracker
417-895-6767 ext.253
D2009-26
April 28, 2009

EMPHASIS: Impaired Driver Crack Down News Conference, April 30, Springfield, MO.


The Missouri State Highway Patrol and law enforcement officers across Missouri will be making a concerted effort May 1-3, in a quarterly DWI Special Traffic Enforcement Program (S.T.E.P.), to crack down on drivers impaired by alcohol and drugs.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Springfield Police Department, the Greene County Sheriff's Department and other police agencies will participate in the initiative, with assistance of the Division of Highway Safety within the Missouri Department of Transportation.
There will be a news conference at 10 a.m., on Thursday, April 30, at High Street Baptist Church, to highlight the efforts of law enforcement in DWI detection and the protocol to follow when approaching a DWI checkpoint.
“It’s never worth the risk to drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Drivers could lose their license, pay large fines, go to jail, or even worse cause a tragic loss of life,” Troop D’s Commanding Officer Captain Juan Villanueva said.
Preliminary 2008 Missouri crash data indicates, 253 people died and 4,505 were injured in more than 7,365 alcohol-related traffic crashes. That translates to a death or injury every 1.8 hours.
For more information contact Sergeant Dan Bracker at the above number or Bob Edwards with the Missouri Department Of Transportation at (417) 895-7600.





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