The Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety is conducting its annual Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign from August 21, 2020, through September 7, 2020 (Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over). During the campaign, Missouri law enforcement will be on heightened alert for impaired drivers in an expanded effort to keep roadways safe in the state.
The goal of the campaign is to reinforce to all Missouri motorists that driving impaired is a terrible decision that should never be made. Preliminary studies show 184 deaths and 590 serious injuries in accidents involving a substance-impaired driver in Missouri in 2019.
“Impaired driving is a year-round concern in Missouri, but the goal of this campaign is to help create public awareness to the dangers and consequences of driving while under the influence,” Coalition chairman Jon Nelson said. “We want all drivers to get home safely every day, and this campaign helps remind people their decisions matter. We would like for there to be no DWI arrests during this campaign, but the only way that happens is for everyone to make the right decisions.”
The campaign highlights the possible consequences of driving impaired:
- Taking someone’s life.
- Being charged with DWI causing death, a Class C felony resulting in three to 10 years of prison time and a fine of up to $10,000.
- Suspended license for 90 days on first DWI conviction, as well as fines up to $1,000 and
six months in jail. - Ignition interlock device on car upon subsequent intoxication-related traffic offense.
- If underage, a Minor in Possession citation resulting in license suspension for 90 days for a first offense.
- Difficulty finding insurance coverage and significantly higher rates.
- Embarrassment, humiliation, and consequences from informing family, friends, and employers.
The Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety is a partnership of safety advocates throughout the state who have come together for the common purpose of ending traffic fatalities and serious injuries on public roadways. To learn more about substance-impaired driving and how you can Arrive Alive, visit saveMOlives.com, or follow social media at #DriveSoberMO.
If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident with an impaired driver, please contact Shamberg, Johnson & Bergman for a free consultation. We will only receive a fee in the event of a successful resolution of your case.