Police to crack down on impaired drivers during Fourth of July weekend

Nevada Daily Mail

Enforcement efforts aimed at reducing deaths and serious injuries caused by impaired drivers will be increased July 2-5. The Nevada Police Department received a grant from the Missouri Department of Transportation's Highway Safety Division for participation in the "You Drink and Drive, You Lose" campaign to stop people from driving impaired over the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

A press release urges drivers to consider some of the consequences of driving while intoxicated: For the first conviction (or first conviction in more than five years), the convicted 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 year-long license revocation and up to one year in jail, Convicted persons also will be required to install an ignition interlock system on their vehicle, preventing the car from starting when the driver has alcohol on his or her breath. Third and subsequent convictions can be penalized with up to a $5,000 fine, a 10-year license denial, and/or up to seven years in jail. Drivers who cause a fatal crash while intoxicated can be charged with Involuntary Manslaughter, a felony resulting in up to seven years of jail time, a $5,000 fine or both. Insurance coverage will be difficult to find and rates will be significantly higher.

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