JEFFERSON CITY – On August 8, 2008, a lineup of .08 presents the opportunity to send a strong message to impaired drivers: You Drink & Drive. You Lose.
The statewide campaign aimed at stopping motorists from driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is sponsored by the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety and kicks off Aug. 8. Advertising and enforcement begins the following week and continues through Labor Day.
“It is important that we inform Missourians about the dangers of alcohol abuse and drunk driving,” Gov. Matt Blunt said. “In Missouri if someone chooses to get behind the wheel while intoxicated, they are not only putting others at risk, they are choosing to face very serious consequences that could impact their driving privileges.”
Television ads reinforce the consequences of impaired driving by using a play on words, beginning with scenes of a beer mug and shot glass and ending with an impaired driver’s police station mug shot.
“DWI enforcement is a priority with the Missouri State Highway Patrol 365 days a year,” said Colonel James F. Keathley, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. “If you are stopped and found to be intoxicated, you will be arrested.”
Blunt added he has been instrumental in cracking down on impaired driving.
“As governor I have signed into law tough new penalties for drinking and driving including ignition interlocks for repeat drunk driving offenders.”
Is it worth it?
Consider these statistics:
· During 2007 in Missouri 243 people died in more than 7,700 alcohol-related crashes.
· Last year in Missouri someone was killed or injured every 1.7 hours in an alcohol-related crash.
Alcohol-related traffic crashes over the last five years:
Year
Killed
Injured
Total Number of Alcohol-related Crashes
2003
277
5,454
8,081
2004
252
5,450
8,301
2005
274
5,216
7,888
2006
270
5,157
7,947
2007
243
4,889
7,780
For more information visit www.saveMOlives.com.
