EPD joins campaign to target impaired drivers

“Driving High? Kiss Your License Goodbye!” Starting today, local motorists are being asked to keep that in mind as the El Dorado Police Department joins other law enforcement officers in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Oklahoma in a campaign to crack down on impaired driving.

The six-state campaign will last throughout the weekend, ending on Sunday.

The EPD and other Arkansas law enforcement officers will step up patrols on miles of road throughout the state, concentrating on high-traffic corridors, to put drivers on notice and to encourage sober and safe driving.

Lt. Kenny Hickman of the EPD advised local motorists to be on the lookout for an increased presence of officers on the city’s main thoroughfares and other areas over the weekend.

He stressed that police are taking a zero-tolerance stance on impaired driving.

Like drunk driving, Hickman said driving while impaired on other mind-altering substances is a serious safety issue for motorists and law enforcement officers on city, county and state roadways.

“By intensifying enforcement of drug-impaired driving laws, we hope people will think twice before driving while impaired on any drug,” Hickman said. “It is deadly for the driver, but also for his or her passengers and for other people on the streets.

Law enforcement organizations that are participating in the campaign issued a stern reminder that THC — the chemical that is responsible for the psychological effects of marijuana — slows reaction times, impairs cognitive performance and makes it more difficult for drivers to keep a steady position in there respective lane.

Moreover, driving while impaired on any substance — whether prescription, over-thecounter or illegal — is prohibited by law, Hickman siad.

“If you are taking any type of drug …, make plans for a sober driver. Do not get behind the wheel of a vehicle,” he said, reiterating, “Our department goal is to save lives, and we’re putting all drivers on alert. Drug-impaired driving is against the law.”

Criminal penalties for DWI/DUI in Arkansas include:

• First offense is punishable by up to one year in prison and/or a maximum fine of $1,000. In lieu of a prison sentence, the court may order 30 days of community service.

• Second offense within five years after first offense is punishable by a maximum prison sentence of one year and/ or $3,000 in fines. In lieu of a prison sentence, the court may order 60 days of community service.

• Third offense within five years after first offense is punishable by up to a year in prison and/ or a maximum fine of $5,000. A defendant may receive 90 days of community service in lieu of a prison sentence.

• Fourth offense within five years after first offense is a felony that is punishable by up to six years in prison and/or $5,000 in fines. One year of court-ordered community service may be levied in lieu of a prison term.

• Fifth offense within five years after first offense is a felony that is punishable by a maximum prison sentence of 10 years and/or a fine of $5,000. The court may order two years of community service in lieu of a prison sentence.

Defendants may also face administrative penalties that could result in the loss of their license, including permanent revocation after a fourth DWI/DUI arrest within five years of the first.

Drivers may also be required to complete a court-approved drug and alcohol treatment program and pay a reinstatement fee.