MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL
a division of the
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

Troop I Headquarters, P.O. Box 128, Rolla, Mo 65402


News Release

For further information please contact: Sergeant Dan Crain
573-368-2345
April 27, 2011
I04D11

EMPHASIS: Troop I Cracking Down On Drunk Drivers


Captain Lee Ann H. Kenley, commanding officer of Troop I, announces from May 4, 2011 through May 13, 2011, Troop I officers will be joining other Missouri law enforcement agencies during the Youth Alcohol Mobilization. During this period, officers will be stepping up enforcement efforts with a goal of removing impaired drivers from Missouri highways. With prom and graduation season here, Missouri law enforcement want to make sure Missouri youth are celebrating safe and sober.

It is illegal for someone under the age of 21 to possess or consume alcohol in Missouri, yet youth make up a significant proportion of drunk drivers causing traffic crashes on Missouri roadways. Missouri has a zero tolerance law. If you are under age 21, your license will be suspended if you are caught driving with even a trace of alcohol in your system.

Consequences of drunk driving include jail time, loss of driver licenses, being sentenced to use ignition interlock systems, higher insurance rates, attorney fees, court costs, lost time at work, and the potential loss of job or job prospects. When family, friends, and co-workers find out, violators can face tremendous personal embarrassment and humiliation.

"Drunk driving is simply not worth the consequences," stated Captain Kenley. "Zero tolerance means zero chances: You Drink and Drive, You Lose."

In 2010 in Missouri, 234 people were killed and 957 seriously injured in crashes involving an impaired driver. For more information, please visit www.saveMOlives.com.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol urges all citizens to report any vehicle they observe operating in a careless manner. The public can contact the Highway Patrol toll-free at 1-800-525-5555 or on their cellular phone at *55.


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