The Meridian Police Department today announced its enforcement crackdown through the holiday season for: “Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest.” that runs from December 15th through January 1, 2008. The intensified enforcement effort against drunk drivers underscores the severity of the problem both locally and across the nation.

“Drunk driving represents a deadly disregard for human life. Vastly too many people suffer tragic injuries and the loss of a loved one as a result of drunk driving,”.

In 2006, 13,470 fatalities occurred in crashes involving at least one driver or motorcycle rider who had a .08 or above Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) compared with 13,582 in 2005. Capt. Rick McCary emphasized the critical role law enforcement plays in helping solve this national problem.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in December 2006, 1076 people were killed in crashes involving a driver with a BAC level of .08 or higher – above the legal limit in every state as well as the District of Columbia.

“The holiday season between Thanksgiving and New Year’s is one of the deadliest and most dangerous times of the year due to an increase in impaired driving,”.

“We will be out in force making sure drunk drivers are off the road,”. “If we catch you driving impaired, we will arrest you. No exceptions. No excuses.”

Since 1981, every President of the United States has demonstrated the commitment to the prevention of impaired driving by proclaiming December as National Drunk & Drugged Driving (3D) Prevention Month.

The Meridian Police Department says always designating a sober driver and not letting friends drive drunk are just two of several simple steps to help avoid a tragic crash or an arrest for impaired driving. Other important tips include:

· Plan ahead: Whenever you plan on consuming alcohol, designate your sober driver before going out and give that person your keys;

· If you’re impaired, call a taxi, use mass transit or call a sober friend or family member to get you home safely;

· Promptly report drunk drivers you see on the roadways to law enforcement;

· Wearing your seat belt or using protective gear on your motorcycle is your best defense against an impaired driver;

· And remember, Friends Don’t Let Friends Drive Drunk. If you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.

“Drunk driving is simply not worth the risk. It is deadly serious and against the law. If you drive drunk, you will be arrested. Violators will be spending their money on bail, court, lawyers and towing fees instead of buying holiday presents for loved ones. That’s not a great way to end the year,” so don’t take the chance. Remember, if you drive over the limit, you will be arrested.”

For more information, visit www.StopImpairedDriving.org. rickymccary@meridianms.org