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

Troop E Headquarters - 4947 Highway 67 North - Poplar Bluff, MO 63901


News Release

For further information please contact: Trooper Clark D. Parrott
(573) 840-9500, Ext. 221
12051153
December 5, 2011

EMPHASIS: Troop E Officers To Participate In Statewide Holiday DWI Enforcement Campaign


Captain George E. Ridens, commanding officer of Troop E, Poplar Bluff, announces that Troop E officers will be participating in the statewide 2011 Holiday DWI Enforcement Campaign to stop people from driving impaired this holiday season. Enforcement efforts will be increased from December 5, 2011, through December 12, 2011, and will focus on reducing deaths and injuries caused by impaired drivers.
Captain Ridens said, "Losing a loved one during the holiday season is a tragedy no one should have to endure. Impaired driving is a preventable crime, and we intend to work diligently to remove impaired drivers for our roadways."

Consider some of the consequences if you are caught driving while intoxicated:
* For the first conviction (or first conviction in over five years), your license will be suspended for 30 days followed by a 60-day suspension if a hardship license is not obtained.
* A second conviction results in a $1,000 fine, a yearlong revocation of your license, and up to a year in jail. You will also be required to install an ignition interlock system on your vehicle, preventing your car from starting when you have alcohol on your breath.
* Third and subsequent convictions can result in a penalty of up to a $5,000 fine, a 10-year license denial, and/or up to seven years in jail.
* If you cause a fatal crash while intoxicated, you could be charged with involuntary manslaughter, a felony resulting in up to seven years of jail time, a $5,000 fine, or both.

In 2010, 218 people were killed and 3,823 were injured in alcohol-related traffic crashes.

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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