The Northland and Jackson County Traffic Safety Task Force groups along with Mothers Against Drunk Driving urges the public to drive sober this Holiday season.

According to NHTSA, between 2013 and 2017, more than 800 people died in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes during the Thanksgiving holiday period (6 p.m. Wednesday to 5:59 a.m. Monday), making it one of the deadliest holidays on our roads. The day before Thanksgiving has been promoted on social media as “Blackout Wednesday” or “Drinksgiving” and is one of the most deadly days on our roadways.

Sgt. Blodgett with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office states: “Impaired driving of any sort is very a serious crime that claims lives throughout the country at unprecedented rates. Our goal is not to punish citizens, but protect them from the perils that exist when drivers fail to make the safe decision and chose a sober ride. The outrage felt by the public over the violence taking place in our communities is warranted; however we are failing to realize that an impaired driver armed with a 3000 pound weapon is just as deadly if not interdicted.”

Starting Wednesday night, a multi-agency DUI Saturation Patrol will be in full force looking to remove impaired drivers from the roadways. “We will be out on high alert, seeking out drunk drivers during the holiday season, showing zero tolerance for anyone driving drunk. If we find you driving drunk, you will be arrested—no excuses” said Sgt. Bentch, Kansas City Police Department DUI Unit Supervisor.

Leann Lewis, Mothers Against Drunk Driving Heartland Chapter Leader, urges the community, “ Please take advantage of the many options for getting home safely — a designated, non-drinking driver, rideshare, taxi or

public transportation. And please don’t forget to buckle up.”

WHY: Despite a nearly 50 percent decline in drunk driving deaths since MADD was founded in 1980, over10,000 people are killed by drunk drivers and another 290,000 are injured in drunk driving crashes every year. In fact, two out of three people will be involved in a drunk driving crash in their lifetime.

Sadly, every two minutes, a person is injured in a drunk driving crash. Join us in creating a future of No More Victims®.