"You Drink & Drive - You Lose"

Local law enforcement agencies have received overtime money from the North Dakota Department of Transportation for officers to patrol the city of Minot, specifically for impaired drivers and alcohol violations.

Officers will be out on overtime enforcement from June 30th to July 6, 2004. Communities throughout America support increased law enforcement efforts to stop this illegal and life threatening offense. Nearly 97% of Americans view impaired driving as a threat to the community.

In 2002, 17,190 people were killed nationwide in alcohol related crashes, representing approximately 42% of the 42,850 traffic fatalities in 2002. Locally, impaired driving was a factor in 85.7% of the fatal crashes in 2002.

Driving while intoxicated is a serious crime and a concern to everyone. The threat is real, deadly and even more important, nearly 100% preventable if drivers obey the law and use common sense not to drive if you have been drinking.

Enjoy the 4th of July holiday, celebrate smart and drive safe.