HPD cracking down on impaired drivers

By Staff, 12/15/20 4:23 PM

 

 

HOPE – Beginning this Friday, December 18,  and continuing through January 1, 2021, motorists will witness an increased presence of state and local law enforcement whether they’re traveling across the state or across the country.

The national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over operation incorporates public service advertising and messaging coupled with assurances from law enforcement officers of zero tolerance for drunk driving.  Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over is intended to drastically reduce drunk driving on our nation’s roadways.

A look back at national fatality statistics sadly tells the story of tragic consequences from 2018 when one person every 50 minutes lost their life as the result of a drunk-driving motor vehicle crash.  Reports from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show that on average more than 10,000 people were killed each year from 2014 through 2018 as the result of drunk driving related crashes.

“The Christmas and New Year’s holiday period should be an enjoyable time for our Arkansas families, not a marker of death for a loved one who was involved in a drunk driving crash,” said Assistant Chief of Police Kim Tomlin.

“Remember that it is never okay to drink and drive.  Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation or a ride service to get home safely” said Tomlin

If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact the nearest law enforcement agency. Your actions could help save someone’s life. Guard against allowing a friend who has been drinking to drive.  Take the keys away and make arrangements to get your friend home safely.