Americans take 233 billion trips in cars each year. Of those, about one out of every two thousand trips are taken by those who are driving under the influence of alcohol. Yet, almost one out of every three traffic deaths involve drunk driving.
“A proportionally tiny amount of bad behavior is one of the major causes of death and injury on our roadways,” stated Saline County Sheriff Rodney Wright.
On average, every 53 minutes, someone is killed in a drunk driving crash. Every two minutes, someone is injured because of this entirely preventable crime.
In an effort to reduce traffic fatalities, beginning this weekend and continuing through March, April and May, the Saline County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) will be stepping up traffic patrols and DWI checkpoints. The SCSO will collaborate with the Arkansas State Police, Arkansas Game and Fish, Benton PD, Bryant PD and Camack Village PD.
Particularly over the Memorial Day weekend, the SCSO will be increasing their presence on roads with the aid of grants to help pay for overtime.
The SCSO Patrol Division lieutenant stated, “We’re giving Saline County drivers a clear warning. Enforcement during this campaign will be strong and if you’re caught driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you will be arrested. Make a commitment now, while you’re sober, to avoid getting behind the wheel if you’re impaired. It’s simply not worth the risk.”