PPD: Drive drunk and you will be arrested, "no warnings, no excuses" | Crime

Add the Paragould Police Department to the growing list of those participating in the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign this Fourth of July.

 “The Fourth of July is one of the deadliest holidays,” says Captain John Faulkner.  “Too many people die behind the wheel each year due to those who choose to drive after drinking.  So our officers will be out in full force this Fourth of July showing zero tolerance for impaired drivers.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 392 people died during the Independence Day holiday in 2010.  Of those, 39 percent of the crashes involved at least one driver with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher.

“What is even more tragic about the statistics is we see a high number of fatalities between 18 to 34 year olds,” said Captain Faulkner.

Faulkner offers these tips for a safe Fourth of July:

• Plan a safe way home before the fun begins;
• Before drinking, designate a sober driver;
• If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation;
• If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to contact local law enforcement.
• And remember, “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.” 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.
• For more information, please visit www.nhtsa.gov/drivesober.

“Those who try to drink and drive this Fourth of July should be forewarned,” Faulkner added.  “We will be out in force looking for impaired drivers and we will catch and arrest you.  No warnings.  No excuses.  If you drive impaired, you will be arrested.”