Police enforcement to increase for St. Patrick’s Day Weekend

By: VIVIAN HERZOG

With St. Patrick’s Day fast approaching, you can expect to see a few more police cars patrolling around town.

The Columbia Police Department and other local and state law enforcement agencies will partner Saturday and Sunday to increase enforcement of impaired driving laws, according to a release.

Impaired driving is one of the leading causes of vehicle deaths in Missouri. According to the release, more than 900 people died in traffic accidents in 2018.

Missouri law categorizes impairment as driving while intoxicated or while under the influence of alcohol, illicit drugs and/or prescription medications, regardless of blood alcohol concentration.

“The effects of impaired driving can be far-reaching and, in some cases, tragic and devastating. We always encourage safe alcohol consumption and driving decisions year-round, especially during times of celebration, including St. Patrick’s Day,” Sgt. Clint Sinclair of the Columbia Police Department DWI Unit said in a statement.

In addition to strongly enforcing impaired driving laws over the weekend, the department encourages alternatives such as appointing designated drivers and using ride-sharing programs and public transportation.

If you or a loved one have suffered accident injuries in a car accident caused by one these reckless or distracted drivers, call Northland Injury Law at (816) 400-4878 to speak to a Missouri automobile accident lawyer today for help in recovering the compensation you need. An experienced personal injury attorney can ease some of the burden by engaging in fact-finding, gathering the necessary documentation, and crafting concise and thorough demands for settlement of your claim.