The Heat is On: Missouri Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over

Summer seems to be coming to a quick ending, with fond memories of the sunshine and breezy times we enjoyed with friends. Like most summer fun, plenty of those memories were enhanced with alcohol, from backyard barbecues with family to beach blanket beverages. As we wrap up another great summer season, here’s another reminder that the only way to stay safe is to follow the Missouri Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign’s advice: just don’t drink and drive.

In 2015 Missouri saw a rise in DUI rates of 23 percent, causing the state to increase awareness and law enforcement efforts. Those efforts included  the Missouri Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign. The effort is year-long but will step up visibility at times when DUI rates historically rise.

If you are guilty of drunk driving in Missouri even one time you will face the following (and possibly more):

• First-time offenders will have their license suspended for 90 days, be ordered to pay up to $500 in fines and possibly serve six months in jail.
• Minors or those under the age of 21, who are found in possession of alcohol will lose their license on top of standard Missouri DUI penalties.
• Second or subsequent DUI offenders will have a lengthy ignition interlock requirement.
• If a fatality occurs as a result of a DUI, the offender can be charged with involuntary manslaughter and face those penalties, too.

From the middle of August through Labor Day weekend, Missouri Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over law enforcement efforts will be stepped up. That means more sobriety checkpoints and more reminders across the state that drinking and driving can literally kill the best of summer moments. When we have a plan to get home, even after a summer picnic with family, we are showing a shared commitment to only drive sober and keep those summer memories the best kind possible.