Those planning a night on the town in the coming days will want to think twice before getting behind the wheel.
The Iola Police Department is joining 150 other law enforcement agencies across the state with saturation patrols geared to finding drunk drivers starting Thursday.
The “You Drink, You Drive, You Lose” campaign starts Thursday and runs through Labor Day, Sept. 3.
The crackdown is underwritten by a grant from the Kansas Department of Transportation.
As many as 61 people are injured and three killed every day on Kansas roads in alcohol-related crashes, the Iola Police Department reported in a press release.
“I want this enforcement to remind drivers of several things,” Iola Police Chief Jared Warner said.
“First, if you’re going to drink while away from home, do it responsibly by planning ahead and lining someone up who is not drinking to get you home.”
Waiting until it’s time to go home to start asking is foolhardy, the police chief said.
“Chances are, if you do that, you will end up with a driver who thinks he’s sober enough to be driving, but may not be.
Second, Warner encouraged drivers to picture families they know, then consider the impact of injuring or killing one of them due to drunk driving.
“Third, we can pull you over for any number of traffic infractions or mechanical deficiencies,” Warner said.
If officers detect a hint of alcohol, the driver will be tested.
“Fourth, we ask everyone to be our eyes when on the road,” the police chief said. “If you see suspicious driving behaviors, take note of location and direction, as well as the vehicle’s description.”
Call 911 only when it’s safe to do so, he stressed.
Warner also noted wearing seat belts or appropriate child restraints is an ongoing concern for officers. Those laws will be enforced as well.
While the campaign is geared toward the Labor Day holiday, Warner noted officers will remain vigilant to removing impaired drivers throughout the year.
