Police Crack Down On Drunk Driving

Law enforcement across Oklahoma is cracking down on drunk drivers. "We're stepping up so beware, if you're a drunk driver, law enforcement is hunting and you're in season," said Oklahoma Highway

Thursday, August 16th 2007, 10:07 am

By: News On 6

Law enforcement across Oklahoma is cracking down on drunk drivers. "We're stepping up so beware, if you're a drunk driver, law enforcement is hunting and you're in season," said Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper Pete Norwood. Area law enforcement agencies announced Thursday that they are joining forces in a national campaign to crackdown on drunk driving. Itâ€™s called "Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest."

The campaign kicks off Friday and runs through Labor Day. OHP troopers will be conducting sobriety checkpoints and will saturate state roadways with troopers. The program is organized by the National Highway Safety Administration and is paid for by grants.

On any given Friday or Saturday night one in seven drivers is impaired, and that's why authorities are willing to take to the streets.

"They're all working this on a voluntary basis because they've got a passion to save lives," said Sapulpa Police Chief Jeff Gilliland.

Statistics from 2005 show nearly 10% of all the crashes in Oklahoma involved alcohol or drugs, and more than 160 people died in those crashes.

Police say your best defense against a drunk driver is to buckle up.

For more information and resources to help in the fight against drunk and drugged driving, click here.

Watch the video: Drunk Driving Crack Down