Police conduct special enforcement effort to combat drunken driving

The Nevada Police Department will be cracking down on impaired drivers Aug. 21-Sept. 7 during the "You Drink and Drive. You Lose." statewide campaign.

Law enforcement efforts will be increased in an endeavor to reduce the deaths and serious injuries caused by impaired drivers.

Those caught drinking and driving could lose their license, money and freedom.

Driving while intoxicated is one of the most common violent crimes, randomly killing or injuring someone in Missouri every 1.7 hours. These tragedies are preventable when drivers make a simple, smart choice not to drink and drive.

Is it worth it? Consider some of the consequences if you choose to drive while intoxicated:

* If you cause a fatal crash while intoxicated, you can be charged with involuntary manslaughter, a felony, resulting in up to seven years of jail time, a $5,000 fine or both.

* Your license can be suspended for 90 days on your first conviction. You could be fined up to $500 and spend up to six months in jail.

* A second conviction results in a year long revocation of your license. You could be fined up to $1,000 and spend up to one year in jail.

* Minors may additionally be subject to a minor in possession citation, resulting in license suspension for 90 days for a first offense.

This consequence is in addition to any suspension resulting from "point" assessment on alcohol conviction.

* Insurance coverage will be difficult to find and your rates will be significantly higher.

For more information on impaired driving, visit www.saveMOlives.com.