Joplin Police Department launching 15-month campaign to reduce drunk driving

(From the Joplin Police Department)

In response to a nationwide increase of fatal accidents involving impaired drivers, the Joplin Police Department has joined forces with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to launch a 15-month campaign to raise awareness of the consequences of impaired driving and to support impaired driving enforcement. The “We’re out there too. Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.” campaign is a pilot program funded by NHTSA. The slogan is intended to remind drivers that Joplin police officers will continue to enforce impaired driving laws while sending the message that other community members share the road.

An impairment coalition was formed in October 2017 and is comprised of members of law enforcement and volunteers from the legal field, non-profit organizations, medical professionals and media. The “We’re out there too. Driver Sober or Get Pulled Over.” campaign will utilize social media, billboards and various news media outlets to convey the message. Public outreach events are also planned throughout the campaign.

Joplin was chosen by NHTSA for the number of driving while impaired (DWI) arrests inside city limits and for the police department’s commitment to reduce impaired driving. In 2016, Joplin police officers arrested 290 drivers for DWI. Five individuals were killed in alcohol-related crashes. The Joplin Police Department has two officers dedicated to DWI enforcement.

“While the numbers demonstrate the dedication of our DWI enforcement team, they are also proof that too many people are drinking and driving,” said Matt Stewart, Joplin Police Chief. “Drunk driving is a crime that is 100-percent preventable.”