It’s no big secret: Spring time means high school proms and high school and college graduations.
And Missouri’s law enforcement want officers want to make sure the state’s youth are celebrating in safe and sober ways.
Starting Thursday, Missouri law enforcement agencies — including the Jefferson City police and Cole County sheriff’s departments — will be assertively seeking out impaired drivers and minors in possession of alcohol.
Missouri law says it’s illegal for someone under 21 years old to possess or consume alcohol in Missouri — but the state’s youth make up a significant percentage of drunk drivers causing traffic crashes on Missouri roadways.
During last year’s Youth Alcohol Enforcement Campaign, which ran from May 1-12, 2015, four people were killed and 18 others were injured seriously in accidents involving at least one-substance impaired driver who was under 21.
In a news release, Jefferson City’s police reminded motorists Missouri also has a Zero Tolerance law — people under 21 who are caught driving with even a trace of alcohol in their system can have their driver’s license suspended.
The release notes consequences of drunk driving include increasing insurance rates, attorney fees, court costs, possible jail time, loss of driving licenses and having ignition interlock devices attached to vehicles — at the driver’s expense.
This year’s campaign runs through May 16.
More information about the law enforcement program is available at www.saveMOlives.com.