Miller County announces campaign to discourage DUIs

Miller County Sheriff’s Office is one of numerous local law enforcement agencies in Arkansas partnering with the U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), this holiday season to save lives by keeping alcohol and drug impaired drivers off the roads.

Miller County deputies and other law enforcement officers will join together in a high-visibility national enforcement campaign that runs through Jan.1.

“Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” is a “no excuses” “zero tolerance” operation in which law enforcement officers increase their patrol presence with additional emphasis directed to identifying and arresting drivers who may be impaired by alcohol or drugs.

Something as unassuming as cold medications or an over-thecounter sleep aid has the ability to impair a driver and lead to a DWI arrest. Anyone taking a new prescription drug or a higher dose of a current prescription drug, should avoid driving until its known what effect the drug may have on the individual. Any effect could impair a person’s driving ability. One medication may not directly impair a person, but mixed with a second prescription drug and alcohol could cause impairment. Any form of impaired driving is illegal.

“Driving impaired is a choice,” said Miller County Sheriff Jackie Runion. “I encourage everyone to make the right choice and find a sober driver if they have been drinking or ingested any drug that caused impairment.”

The Miller County Sheriff’s Office recommends these safe alternatives to impaired driving:

■ If you have ingested an impairing substance, such as alcohol, marijuana, prescription drugs, sleep medication or any form of illegal drug, do not drive.

■ Passengers should never ride with an impaired driver. If you think a driver may be impaired, do not get in the car. If you are alcohol- or drug-impaired, pass the keys to a sober driver who can safely drive you to your final destination or plan to use public transportation or a ride sharing service to get home safely. It is never okay to drive while impaired by any substance.

■ Have a friend who is about to drive while impaired by alcohol or drugs? Take the keys away and arrange to get them home safely. Don’t worry about offending someone — they’ll thank you later.

■ If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact your local law enforcement. Your actions could help save someone’s life.

— Miller County Sheriff’s

Office