Officer Jared Swann of the Joplin Police Department works hard to keep impaired drivers off of Missouri’s roadways.
Not only is this his job, but it’s his way of helping to prevent families like his own from suffering from an impaired driving crash.
Swann’s brother was disabled in 1999 when a vehicle he was driving was hit by an impaired driver. A passenger in his brother’s car was killed.
This holiday season the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety will be promoting Swann’s story in statewide public service announcements reminding motorists of the consequences of driving impaired and reminding those who plan to celebrate to designate a sober driver, or call a cab to avoid driving impaired. Statewide, law enforcement will be on the lookout for impaired drivers; with targeted enforcement efforts Dec. 14 – Jan. 1.
There were 53 people killed and 267 seriously injured in Missouri traffic crashes between December 10, 2017, and January 1, 2018. Eleven of the fatalities and 33 of the serious injuries involved a substance-impaired driver.
“We want everyone to enjoy a safe and happy holiday season,” says Jon Nelson, executive chair of the coalition. “So we are making a special effort to reach motorists with reminders to plan ahead for a safe and sober ride home.”
What’s tragic about these crashes is that they are clearly preventable. Impaired driving is a crime, not an “accident”, and is one of America’s most often committed and deadliest crimes. There are no excuses to drive impaired. The facts are known - drinking and driving can be a lethal combination. The consequences are fines, jail time or even death. Enforcement will be out in full force this holiday season. If you choose to drive impaired you will be arrested.
To learn more, visit savemolives.com, or find them on social media at Save MO Lives, #DriveSoberMO.
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