Kentucky State Police are gearing up for the New Years Eve holiday, which is traditionally a time for festive events where people gather to ring in a new year. Many of these celebrations will include the consumption of alcohol, lending way to the potential for impaired drivers on Kentucky roadways.
Every year law enforcement officials make a plea to those who drink to stay off the roads. While drunk driving is a terrible crime any day of the year, statistics show that the holiday season has the greatest incidence for crashes involving alcohol.
KSP Commissioner Rodney Brewer said his agency will be participating in the Over the Limit. Under Arrest.impaired driving enforcement campaign sponsored by the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety.
“Life is too precious to be lost in a senseless tragedy that causes indescribable hardship,” said Brewer. “KSP has a no-tolerance policy. If you are caught driving under the influence, you will go to jail.”
Increased enforcement begins Thursday, Dec. 30, 2010 and runs through Sunday, Jan. 2. Brewer advised that KSP will increase road patrols and operate safety checkpoints statewide during the holiday period, cracking down on drunk drivers.
“Make no mistake, our message is simple. If you are caught driving impaired, you will be arrested. No exceptions, no excuses. We will be out in force to take drunk drivers off the road - and save lives that might otherwise be lost,” said Brewer.
KSP Spokesman Trooper John Hawkins urges friends and family members to take the keys away from anyone who drinks alcohol and arrange for them to be driven home.
“We know there are going to be holiday celebrations and office parties this time of year where alcohol will be consumed, so your best bet is to always designate a sober driver before the parties begin,” says Hawkins.
“In 2009, there were 30,430 DUI arrests in the Commonwealth,” said Hawkins. “We need every citizen’s help to keep impaired drivers off the road.”
KSP established a toll-free number (1-800-222-5555) that citizens can call to report impaired or erratic drivers.
