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The Hazelwood Police Department received a grant from the Missouri Department of Transportation’s Highway Safety Division for participation in the “You Drink & Drive, You Lose” campaign, began Dec. 7.  Enforcement efforts will be increased to stop people from driving impaired during the holiday season in order to save lives.  This includes a DWI Sobriety Checkpoint that will be conducted by Hazelwood police officers somewhere in the City during the weekend of Dec. 18-20.

“Losing a loved one during the holiday season is a tragedy no one should have to endure,” said Chief of Police Carl Wolf, Hazelwood Police Department.  “Impaired driving is a preventable crime, and we intend to crack down on this problem so drivers feel more secure when traveling local roads and highways in our community.”

Here are some consequences that people experience if they are caught driving while intoxicated:

•  For the first conviction (or first conviction in over five years), the person’s license will be suspended for 30 days followed by a 60-day suspension if a hardship license is not obtained.

• A second conviction results in a $1,000 fine, a 1-year revocation of the license and up to a year in jail.  Also, convicted drivers will be required to install an ignition interlock system on their vehicle, preventing them from starting it when they have alcohol on their breath.

•  Third and subsequent convictions can involve a penalty of up to $5,000 in fines, a 10-year license denial and/or up to 7 years in jail.

• If impaired drivers cause a fatal crash, they can be charged with Involuntary Manslaughter, a felony resulting in up to 7 years of jail time, a $5,000 fine or both.

• Mandatory car insurance will be difficult to obtain.  If convicted drivers do find coverage, their rates will be significantly higher.

For more information, contact Sgt. Timothy Burger of the Hazelwood Police Department at (314) 513-5228.

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