By SALINA POST
The Saline County Sheriff's Office, Salina Police Department, and the Kansas Highway Patrol are joining law enforcement agencies across the state to help decrease the number of impaired motorists on the state’s roadways.
The You Drink. You Drive. You Lose campaign begins Saturday and runs through Sept. 5.
According to Sheriff Roger Soldan, if you are driving impaired, you are not only more likely to crash, but that crash is much more likely to cause serious injury or death.
“Alcohol impairs thinking, reasoning, and muscle coordination, which is a dangerous combination when you get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle,” said Colonel Herman T. Jones, superintendent of the Kansas Highway Patrol. “As you celebrate the upcoming Labor Day weekend, we urge everyone to play it safe and have a sober driver or use a rideshare service if you will be drinking. If you are traveling and suspect another motorist may be impaired, please dial 911.”
If you’re traveling for the Labor Day holiday, the Patrol offers the following tips:
• Always wear your seatbelt every trip, every time. It’s your best defense against impaired drivers.
• Check your vehicle’s condition, including tires, fluid levels and mechanical equipment.
• Check road conditions at www.kandrive.org to look for construction or delays on your route.
• Allow plenty of time to arrive at your destination.
• Buckle up and make sure your children are in the appropriately fitted child safety seats.
• Have an emergency kit in your vehicle with essentials such as water, flashlights, chargers, blankets and nonperishable food.
• Always have a sober driver before you drink alcohol away from home or take a sober ride to and from the
location if you will be consuming alcohol. Remember, this is your decision.
• Before you take a new prescription medication, check your medication for driving warnings.
• Before you choose to drink and drive, think about your family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors.
Funding for the added enforcement is provided by the Kansas Department of Transportation.
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