Drive Intoxicated, Risk Jail Time this Weekend in Hazelwood

The Hazelwood Police Department (HPD) will be conducting a DWI Sobriety Checkpoint this weekend, Aug. 23-24, at an undisclosed location within the city limits. Area municipalities receive grants throughout the year to conduct these checkpoints.

"Driving drunk is simply not worth all the consequences," Hazelwood Police Chief Gregg Hall said in a statement.  "Our message is simple and unwavering, 'Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.' 

"If you're impaired when we pull you over at a sobriety checkpoint or for a traffic stop, you will be arrested."  

Anyone who causes a fatal crash while intoxicated can be charged with involuntary manslaughter, a felony resulting in up to seven years in prison, a $5,000 fine or both. See: Missouri Revised Statutes

 Other consequences for impaired drivers include the following:

• Your license can be suspended for 90 days on your first conviction. You could be fined up to $500 and spend up to six months in jail.
• A second conviction results in a year-long revocation of your driver's license. You could be fined up to $1,000 and spend up to one year in jail.
• Anyone guilty of a second or subsequent intoxication-related traffic offense will be required to have an ignition interlock device installed on their car before driving privileges can be reinstalled.
• For third and subsequent convictions, you can be penalized with up to a $5,000 fine, a 10-year license denial, and/or up to seven years in jail.
• Auto insurance coverage will be difficult to find. And, if convicted drivers do get coverage, their rates are usually significantly higher.

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According to the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety in 2012, 230 people were killed and 868 seriously injured in accidents that involved at least one impaired driver. Visits the organization's Facebook page, Human Toll, to read stories about the effects of impaired driving.

For more information on the checkpoints contact HDP Sgt. Timothy Burger, Special Operations Group and Traffic Management Team for the Hazelwood Police Department, at 314-513-5228.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol urges all citizens to report any vehicle they observe operating in a careless manner.  The public can call toll-free 800-525-5555 on dial *55 on a cell phone. Also, visit www.saveMOlives.com for more details.