PRESS RELEASE:
March 13, 2025
The City of Kimberling City, Missouri — Planning a Party or Social Gathering? If you’re planning to celebrate March Madness, St. Patrick’s Day, or some other special event, make sure to also plan for a safe and sober ride for anyone who needs it. During this campaign, The City of Kimberling City Police Department, the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety will be reminding all Missourians about the importance of choosing a completely sober ride such as a rideshare, a designated driver, or a taxi. Law enforcement will be out in full force March 14 through April 18 2025, removing impaired drivers from the roadway.
Even if you are walking, riding a bike, driving a golfcart or using a scooter, having a safe way to get to your destination is imperative. And remember, alcohol isn't the only substance that can cause impairment. Here's a good rule to follow: If you feel different, you drive different. Don’t let anyone drive impaired.
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is partnering with The City of Kimberling City Police Department to share the message about the dangers of drunk driving. NHTSA and Kimberling City Police Department want all drivers to remember this lifesaving message: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over. Drivers will see officers working together March 14, 2025 through April 18, 2025, to take impaired drivers off the roads.
651 People - Were seriously injured in 2024 traffic crashes that involved at least one substance-impaired driver.
131 People - Were killed in 2024 traffic crashes that involved at least one substance-impaired driver.
6 Months - The amount of time you can spend in jail on your first conviction.
$1000.00 - Amount of money you could be fined on your second conviction.
According to NHTSA, 13,524 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2022 that involved an alcohol-impaired driver. On average, more than 10,000 people were killed each year from 2016 to 2022, and one person was killed in a drunk-driving crash every 39 minutes in 2022. This is why Kimberling City Police Department is working together with NHTSA to remind drivers that drunk driving is not only illegal, it is a matter of life and death. As you head out to the holiday festivities, remember: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.
“Act responsibly! Impaired driving will not be tolerated.” said Todd Lemoine, Chief of Police. “
Kimberling City Police Department and NHTSA are reminding citizens of the many resources available to get them home safely. “Drunk driving is not acceptable behavior, especially when there are so many safe alternatives to get you home safely,” said Chief of Police, Todd Lemoine “It is essential to plan a sober ride home before you ever leave for the party. There are too many resources to get you home safely. There are just no excuses for drunk driving,” he said.
There are plenty of options to help impaired drivers get home safely, such as designating a sober driver or calling a taxi or rideshare. You can also try Table Rock Taxi 417-239-5031.
Understand the Risks Nationally, it is illegal to drive with a BAC of .08 or higher, except in Utah, where the limit is .05 g/dL. And the costs can be financial, too: If you’re caught drinking and driving, you could face jail time, lose your driver’s license and your vehicle, and pay up to $10,000 in attorney’s fees, fines, higher insurance rates, and lost wages.
Chief Lemoine recommends these safe alternatives to drinking and driving:
· Call a Ride Share or Taxi.
· Remember that it is never okay to drink and drive. Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation or a ride service to get home safely.
· If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact Kimberling City Police Department.
· Do you have a friend who is about to drink and drive? Take the keys away and make arrangements to get your friend home safely.
For More Information Contact:
The City of Kimberling City Police Department
City of Kimberling City Police Department (ckcmo.com) 417-739-2131