Holiday DWI Enforcement Scheduled Dec. 10-16

Eureka Police Department officers indicate they will participate in the 2012 Holiday DWI Enforcement Campaign to stop people from driving impaired this season. Enforcement efforts will be increased during Dec. 10 – 16, and will focus on reducing deaths and serious injuries caused by impaired drivers, said Eureka Police Chief Michael Wiegand.

“Losing a loved one during the holiday season is a tragedy no one should have to endure,” said Wiegand.

“Impaired driving is a preventable crime, and we intend to crack down so drivers feel secure when traveling on Missouri’s roadways.”

He asks everyone to consider some of the consequences if caught driving while intoxicated:

• For the first conviction (or first conviction in over five years), your license will be suspended for 30 days followed by a 60-day suspension if a hardship license is not obtained.
• A second conviction results in a $1,000 fine, a yearlong revocation of your license and up to a year in jail. You also will be required to install an ignition interlock system on your vehicle, preventing your car from starting when you have alcohol on your breath.
• Third and subsequent convictions can be penalized with up to a $5,000 fine, a 10-year license denial, and/or up to seven years in jail.
• If you cause a fatal crash while intoxicated, you could be charged with involuntary manslaughter, a felony resulting in up to seven years of jail time, a $5,000 fine or both.

Click here to learn more about impaired driving.