Police Ramp Up Drunk Driving Enforcement Through May 28

State and local law enforcement agencies will be out in force through May 28, utilizing sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols to deter drunk driving. Motorists are reminded that driving with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 or higher will put them over the limit. Law enforcement agencies will also be cracking down on drivers who are impaired by drugs, both illegal and prescription.

Leandra’s Law sets some of the toughest DWI provisions in the country. First-time offenders driving while intoxicated or impaired by drugs with a child less than 16 years old in the vehicle may be charged with a class E felony, punishable by up to four years in prison. Drivers convicted must install and maintain an ignition interlock on any vehicle owned or operated by the driver for a minimum period of six months.

In 2011, according to DMV statistics, there were 8,461 alcohol-related crashes reported by police, resulting in 362 people killed and 6,121 injured.