Kennett police Department: YOU DRINK. YOU DRIVE. YOU LOSE

Local law enforcement will be actively encouraging sobriety behind the wheel through a campaign intended on cracking down on impaired driving.

The "You Drink and Drive, You Lose" campaign has been adopted by the Kennett Police Department who will be conducting one or more sobriety checkpoints this weekend.

According to the department, efforts will be increased "in an endeavor to reduce the deaths and serious injuries caused by impaired drivers."

The department added that those caught drinking and driving could lose their license and be incarcerated.

"Driving while intoxicated is one of the most common violent crimes, randomly killing or injuring someone in Missouri every 1.7 hours," said KPD Chief Barry Tate.

"These tragedies are preventable when drivers make a simple, smart choice not to drink and drive," he added.

Statistics back up law enforcement's claims. In 2007, 243 people lost their lives and nearly 5,000 were injured in more than 7,700 alcohol-related accidents.

"Is it worth it?," asks Tate and other local officials, adding that "the consequences of choosing to drink and drive can be grave."

According to Tate, if someone causes a fatal crash while intoxicated, they can be charged with Involuntary Manslaugter, which is a felony that can result in up to seven years behind bars, a $5,000 fine or both.

If convicted, and intoxicated driver's license can be suspended for 90, even on their first conviction. They could also potentially be fined a large sum and be sentenced to jail for up to six months.

Another challenge convicted impaired drivers will likely face includes difficulty finding insurance coverage at reasonable rates.

"It's never worth the risk to drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol," Tate said. "Whether it is your license, your money of your life... You drink and drive, you lose."