Crime & Safety

Clayton Police Department to Crack Down on Drunk Driving

The 'Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over' Campaign Will Target Drunk Drivers

From mid-August through Labor Day, the Clayton Police Department will be out in force as part of the annual nationwide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” crackdown on drunk driving.

The crackdown, which will include high-visibility enforcement throughout Clayton, will run from Aug. 16 through Sept. 2, according to a press release.

Clayton Police said its officers will be aggressively looking for drunk drivers during the crackdown and will arrest anyone caught driving drunk.

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“Every year, about one third of all motor vehicle traffic deaths involve one or more impaired drivers or motorcycle operators,” said Chief Tom Byrne. “In 2012, 230 people died in Missouri crashes involving impaired drivers. That works out to approximately one impaired driving fatality every 1 ½ days.”

Byrne added that holidays such as the Labor Day holiday are particularly dangerous.

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During the Labor Day weekend in 2012, a total of three people were killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes involving impaired drivers or motorcycle riders, the press release stated. Of those fatalities, one occurred at noon and the other two at 10 p.m. 

“Research has shown that high-visibility enforcement like the 'Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over' campaign reduces drunk driving fatalities by as much as 20 percent. By joining this nationwide effort, we will make Clayton’s roadways safer for everyone throughout the Labor Day period,” said Chief Byrne.

“We want to remind everyone that getting behind the wheel drunk is a terrible idea. Not only does drinking impair your ability to operate a vehicle safely, but also your judgment about whether you can, or should drive. If you have any doubt about your sobriety, don’t get behind the wheel. If you do chose to drive impaired, you will be arrested. No warnings. No excuses,” Chief Byrne said.

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


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