As the holiday season approaches, many people will be gathering with family and friends to celebrate and enjoy each other’s company. These gatherings and celebrations often include festive activities involving alcohol. The holiday season typically sees more DWI arrests as law enforcement steps up their patrols to keep the roads safe. 

This year will be no different as the Missouri State Troopers announced that beginning today, they will start their 2013 Holiday DWF Enforcement Campaign to crack down on drunk driving. The campaign aims to reduce car accidents caused by drunk driving and to keep intoxicated drivers off the road. This year’s DWI crackdown will go until Jan. 4, 2014. 

The Missouri State Trooper Patrol said that drunk driving caused 231 fatalities in 2012 in the state and 3,984 injuries. In 2013, an estimated 24 percent of all fatal car accidents in Missouri have been attributed to drunk driving so far. The patrol hopes their efforts will result in fewer car accidents caused by drunk drivers. 

Drivers in Missouri should be aware of the drunk driving campaign to keep themselves safe and free from criminal charges this holiday season. Individuals who do find themselves being arrested for driving while intoxicated could face very serious charges, especially if they are involved in a car accident that causes serious injuries or death.

DWI charges can result in serious consequences, including prison time and driving restrictions. DWI offenders may be sentenced to prison, probation and community service. In addition, they may have their driver’s license suspended or revoked as well as be required to install an ignition interlock device or other alcohol monitoring device depending on the judge in their case.

Source: KOMU 8, “2013 Holiday DWI Enforcement Campaign Kicks Off,” Shay McAlister, Dec. 13, 2013