Police plan weekend crackdown on impaired driving

Before getting behind the wheel, drivers are encouraged by local law enforcement to question themselves by asking if it's worth the risk.
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According to officials, the city is beginning a crackdown on impaired drivers, thus hoping to reduce the number of deaths and injuries that are caused as a direct result of drinking and driving.

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

Before getting behind the wheel, drivers are encouraged to question themselves by asking if it's worth the risk.

"Consider the consequences of your decision if you decide to take that drink and get behind the wheel of your car," Tate said.

According to the police chief, if you are driving while intoxicated and are involved in an accident that involves the death of another person, you could be charged with Felony Involuntary Manslaughter. This charge could result in up to seven years in jail, a $5000 fine or both.

Additional consequences could include:

* If it is the first conviction, your drivers license could be suspended for 90 days, as well as be fined $500, and it is possible that you could spend up to six months in jail.

* Insurance coverage would be hard to find and if you were able to find it, the rates would be more expensive.

According to Tate, "These tragedies and consequences are preventable when drivers make a simple, smart choice not to drink and drive."