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Olive Branch Police Department Launches Intensive Crackdown on Impaired Driving

August 3, 2010

Vow to Arrest Everyone Found Driving ‘Over the Limit’

Olive Branch – The problem of impaired-driving is a serious one.  While America witnessed a decline in the number of impaired-driving fatalities from 2007-08, the numbers are still too high. 

That’s why the Olive Branch Police Department today announced it will join other law enforcement agencies throughout the country in support of an intensive crackdown on impaired driving this Aug. 20–Sept. 6,  known by its tagline, Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest.

“All too often, innocent, law-abiding people suffer tragic consequences and the loss of loved ones due to this careless disregard for human life,” said OBPD Chief Don Gammage. “Because we’re committed to ending the carnage, we’re intensifying enforcement during the crackdown.

“Focus will be placed on, but not limited to, Goodman Road near Davidson, MS 178 near Old Craft Road, Goodman Road near Alexander, and MS 305 near Church Road,” he added. “We’ll be especially vigilant during high-risk nighttime hours when impaired drivers are most likely to be on our roads.”

According to the latest data, 32 percent of fatalities in motor vehicle traffic crashes involved a driver or motorcycle rider with a BAC of .08 g/dL or above — an average of one fatality every 45 minutes.

Gammage said officers will be aggressively looking for all impaired drivers during the crackdown and will arrest anyone they find driving while impaired — regardless of age, vehicle type or time of day.

“Our message is simple,” Gammage continued. “If we find you driving impaired, we will arrest you -- no exceptions.

“Even if you beat the odds and walk away from an impaired-driving crash alive, motorists should be aware that the consequences of driving while impaired can still virtually destroy your life."

According to the Olive Branch Police Department, violators often face jail time or loss of their driver’s license, or are sentenced to use ignition interlocks. Insurance rates also go up.

Other financial hits include attorney fees, court costs, lost time at work and the potential loss of job or job prospects. When family, friends and co-workers find out, violators can also face tremendous personal embarrassment and humiliation.

“Driving impaired is simply not worth all the consequences,” Gammage said. “So don’t take the chance. Remember, if you are over the limit, you’re under arrest.”

The national Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest. crackdown is led by NHTSA and combines high-visibility enforcement with heightened public awareness through advertising and publicity.

For more information on the crackdown, visit the High-Visibility Enforcement Campaign Headquarters at www.StopImpairedDriving.org.