At Anderson Regional Medical Center, local law enforcement came together to discuss the national drunk driving enforcement crackdown: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.
“December 15th begins the drive sober or get pulled over campaign. Last year as a total we had 40 fatalities. And now we are at 57. That’s the incentive. To keep that number 57 there. We want the year, to come in at, 2016 of only having a total of 57 fatalities,” Said Sgt. Andy West with the Mississippi Highway Patrol.
Since Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over is a national initiative. And local law enforcement are putting it to work.
“Basically, we are going to do exactly like what the other agencies are doing. We are going to have extra officers out in force. We are going to be enforcing our roadways to ensure that we cut back on any fatalities we may incur as any kind of dui or dui other or anything like that at all.” Kemper County Sheriff James Moore said.
For those of you who are planning to be on the roads this holiday season, here are a few tips to keep you safe on the road.
“Plan ahead. Preparation! If you know you are going to be at a party or in a situation where alcohol will be served, make arrangements before you go,” Sgt. West explained.
“If you are out with friends and friends are drinking. Let somebody else be the designed driver. Let’s work together to do this because it takes all of us to do this together. Because one fatality is to many,” Sheriff Moore said.
“And get somebody that you trust to be the designated driver. It don’t do any good if you get there and your designated driver gets drunker than you are,” Captain John Griffith of the Meridian Police Department said.
“So, we encourage everyone to make sure that everyone in your vehicle is buckled up. That drivers make sure that they are not impaired. Weather its alcohol or some type of drug use. And that you as a passenger, if you’re not the driver, that you’re not riding with someone that’s doing that,” Lauderdale County Chief Deputy Ward Calhoun explained.
The drive sober campaign will be in effect December 15th to January 1st.
.png)