SSPD on lookout for drunk drivers

The Siloam Springs Police Department is ramping up efforts to find impaired drivers as part of “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” this holiday season.

Through Dec. 31, the department is partnering with the Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for the special year-end enforcement mobilization that targets drunk drivers and spreads the word about the dangers of impaired driving.

“Drivers will notice increased enforcement watching closely for anyone who is driving impaired,” said Siloam Springs Lt. Derek Spicer. “It is vital that we keep our roads and our travelers safe, not just at the holidays, but every day. With extra travelers on the roads, and people attending holiday parties, we will likely see an uptick in drunk driving. We’ll be arresting anyone who breaks this life-saving law.”

In 2016, motor vehicle crashes resulted in 37,461 deaths, with 28 percent (10,497) of those deaths attributed to crashes where a driver had a blood alcohol concentration over the .08 limit. From 2012-16, there were 3,995 deaths involving impaired drivers during the month of December.

“This should be a time of happy merrymaking,” said Siloam Springs Lt. Scott Miller. “A time for friends and families who come together for endless laughs, good food, and happy memories.

“We are committed to doing whatever it takes to help save lives by keeping drunk drivers off the roads. Choosing to drink and drive is a selfish choice — one that will see harsh consequences.”

Drunk driving offenders often serve jail time, lose their licenses, are charged higher insurance rates and pay dozens of other unanticipated expenses like attorney fees, court costs, car towing and repairs. But the Siloam Springs Police Department wants drivers to know the ultimate cost of drunk driving is causing a traffic crash that injures or kills.

The department encourages tips to getting home safely such as designating a driver who hasn’t been drinking, taking public transportation or a taxi and taking keys away from friends who have had a drink, because even one drink can be one too many.

If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact the Siloam Springs Police Department at 479-524-4118.