December is here! Please Celebrate Responsibly!

 



Don't Be a' Blitzen!

                                                            

                                                

 ...and Don't Drive Impaired!!

Posted by Nancy Powell 
KC Scout Traffic Management Center Supervisor

As November winds down and December dawns under sunny skies and 60 degree temps, we here at Scout have been planning and preparing for winter since early fall, just in case. Fortunately, our readiness and resources haven’t yet been required.

But the holiday party season arrived last week.  Whether you are hosting a celebration or attending a gathering where alcohol is served, please assure that a designated driver is in the mix, for those who may enjoy the party a bit too much.  It’s just the right thing to do!

 

Here are a few SOBERING facts for you to consider:

1.  There were 17 roadway fatalities and 69 serious injuries attributed to impaired drivers in Missouri during December 2011

 

2.   Drivers aren’t always the only victims in these crashes.  In 2011, 216 people were killed and 865 sustained serious injuries in accidents that involved at least 1 impaired driver

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3.   If you cause a fatal crash while intoxicated, you can be charged with involuntary manslaughter, a felony resulting in up to seven years of prison time, a $5,000 fine or both.

 

4.   If that crash involves a highway worker, the fine is up to $10,000 and loss of license for up to a year.

Scout is vigilant in getting out this message, because we lost one of our own to a drunk driver in September and we vowed to use every opportunity to share this simple request:

 

DON'T DRIVE DRUNK!

 

Expect to see reminders around town in participating restaurants and places where alcohol is served. MoDOT is mounting a statewide ‘Impaired Driving’ campaign December 10th through 16th to keep awareness levels up and fatalities down.  Look for these guys at your favorite watering holes!