If you are someone that sometimes drives after drinking alcohol or consuming other drugs, be aware that during the period of August 16 through September 3, there will be additional enforcement of Kansas drunk driving and other traffic laws as the Shawnee Police Department participates in a crackdown with almost 150 other local police agencies and the Kansas Highway Patrol to educate the public about impaired driving and remove impaired drivers from the roadways. Known as You Drink. You Drive. You Lose., the crackdown is underwritten by a grant from the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT).

It is not uncommon in Kansas for 61 persons to be injured and three persons killed every day on Kansas roads in alcohol-related crashes. According to KDOT, the ratio of death to injury in alcohol-related crashes is almost four (4) times higher than the death to injury ratio for non-alcohol related crashes.

According to Sergeant Baker, “I want this enforcement to remind drivers of several things:

“First, if you’re going to drink while away from home, do it responsibly by planning ahead and arranging for someone who is not going to be drinking to get you home. Don’t wait until it’s time to go home to start asking.

“Second, picture families you know, and then consider how it would be to wake up every day to the memory of your decision to drive after drinking – a decision which brought injury or death to one of them.

“Third, if you are arrested for DUI you’re looking at a fine of $750-$2,500; up to one year in jail; the suspension or even permanent loss of your driver’s license; and the installation of an ignition interlock device in your car.

“Finally, always remember that the best protection against a drunk driver is the use of seat belts and appropriate child restraints – every trip, every time. They save lives and reduce serious injury every day, and it’s the law.”