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

Troop D Headquarters, 3131 East Kearney Street, Springfield, Missouri 65803


News Release

For further information please contact: Sergeant Jason M. Pace
417-895-6868
D312013
December 3, 2013

EMPHASIS: Troop D To Conduct Sobriety Checkpoint & DWI Saturations


Captain Juan Villanueva, commanding officer of Troop D, Springfield, announces that sometime in the month of December, a sobriety checkpoint will be conducted in Greene County, in addition to DWI saturations within the Troop D region. The Missouri State Highway Patrol, in cooperation with area law enforcement, will conduct the checkpoint.

Sobriety checkpoints and DWI saturations are part of the Patrol’s efforts to remove careless and intoxicated drivers from Missouri’s highways. These enforcement operations are conducted at various locations which have been found to experience a higher than normal number of alcohol-related contacts, hazardous driving contacts, and traffic crashes.

Thus far in 2013, alcohol-and drug-impaired drivers have killed 151 people and injured 2,019. Alcohol or drug impairment has accounted for 127 of the 523 fatal traffic crashes in Missouri. When compared to the same time period last year, there were 762 fatal traffic crashes, of which, 215--or 28.2 percent--involved an alcohol-or drug-impaired driver. Impaired drivers killed 231 people and injured 3,984 in Missouri in 2012. Those impaired drivers made a choice to endanger themselves and others.

Consequences of drunk driving include jail time, loss of their driver licenses, or being sentenced to use ignition interlocks. Insurance rates increase. Other financial effects include attorney fees, court costs, lost time at work, and the potential of losing one’s job or job prospects. When family, friends, and co-workers find out, violators can also face tremendous personal embarrassment and humiliation.

“Driving drunk is simply not worth all the consequences,” stated Captain Villanueva. “Our message is simple and unwavering: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.”

The Patrol encourages motorists and watercraft operators to protect themselves by making sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained in a seat belt or child restraint and everyone in the vessel is wearing an approved life jacket. Click It 4 Life and Wear It!!!
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