Sheriff Scott Keeler announced deputies will be out in force as part of the annual nationwide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” crackdown to reduce substance–impaired driving fatalities December 15, 2016 – January 1, 2017.

 The crackdown will include high-visibility enforcement throughout St. Clair County and deputies will be aggressively looking for substance–impaired drivers during the crackdown and will arrest anyone caught driving impaired.

Although it is illegal to drive drunk many people across the nation get behind the wheel after consuming too much alcohol. The latest statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration underscore the serious nature of the nation’s continuing drunk driving epidemic.

            “Every year, about one third of all motor vehicle traffic deaths involve one or more substance- impaired drivers or motorcycle operators,” said the sheriff “Data indicates in 2015, 197 people were killed on Missouri’s roadways in crashes that involved at least one substance-impaired driver.”

            He added the Christmas and New Year’s Eve Weekend is particularly dangerous. During the holiday campaign last  year, 11 people were killed and 25 seriously injured involving at least one substance-impaired driver.

            “Research has shown that high-visibility enforcement campaigns reduce substance–impaired driving fatalities by as much as 20 percent. By joining this nationwide effort, we will make St. Clair County’s roadways safer for everyone throughout the holiday,” said Sheriff Keeler.

            “We want to remind everyone that getting behind the wheel impaired is a terrible idea. Unfortunately, not only does being under the influence impair your ability to operate a vehicle safely, it also impairs your judgment and good sense about whether you can, or should drive. If you have any doubt about your sobriety, do not get behind the wheel. If you do chose to drive impaired, you will be arrested. No warnings. No excuses,” said the sheriff.

He noted that being arrested for driving under the influence of any substance brings a wide range of negative consequences into one’s life.  Substance–impaired drivers face jail time, loss of their driver licenses, and steep financial consequences such as higher insurance rates, attorney fees, court costs, lost time at work, and the potential loss of job. When family, friends and co-workers find out, violators also often face tremendous personal embarrassment.

“Driving while impaired is simply not worth the risk,” said the sheriff. “Don’t take the chance.”

For more information, visit the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” Campaign Headquarters at www.TrafficSafetyMarketing.gov, or www.saveMOlives.com.