The Baxter County Sheriff's Office will join law enforcement agencies across Arkansas to provide additional protection for travelers along Arkansas roadways this holiday season.  This "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" effort is being coordinated by the Arkansas State Police Highway Safety Office and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). 

     This particular campaigin will forcus on the Christmas and New Years holiday periods from December 14th through January 1st.  Additional Sheriff's deputies will be working under the Select Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) utilizing grant funds provided for additional patrols to detect and arrest impaired drivers.  These efforts will include saturation patrols and/or sobriety checkpoints. 

     Last year 34 percent of all the traffic fatalities in Arkansas were alcohol-related.  This translates into 190 lives lost on Arkansas roadways in one year due to alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes.  Drunk driving is a crime and will not be tolerated.  If celebrations include drinking alcohol, please celebrate responsibly.  MADD suggests that party hosts include alcohol-free beverages and protein-rich foods, along with reminding guests to plan ahead and remember the following advice:

If you plan to drive, don't drink.
If you drink choose a sober designated driver.
Take a taxicab or ask someone to get you to your destination if you have been drinking.
Report impaired drivers to law enforcement.
Always wear your safety belt, which is your best defense against an impaired driver.

     For additional information about the campaign, visit www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov.

John F. Montgomery,
Baxter County Sheriff