DUI Enforcement Campaign Kicks Off
About 150 law enforcement agencies across Kansas will take part in enhanced efforts over the next several weeks to crack down on drunk drivers across the state. The effort is being funded in part by the Kansas Department of Transportation under the nationwide “You drink. You drive. You lose” campaign aimed to raise awareness about the impact of drunk driving and lockup drivers suspected of driving under the influence (DUI).
The program’s strength includes putting more police officers on the state’s roads and highways to aid in interdiction efforts and project a seriousness about the issue of drunk driving. Additionally, the campaign attempts to reach people on a personal level, telling stories of families affected by drunk driving and why everyone should take the issue seriously.
Kansas DUI accident statistics
In 2015, Kansas saw approximately 1,300 DUI-related injuries and 75 deaths. Those numbers break down to five injuries every day and one death every three days across the state. While traffic fatalities as a whole have gone down over the last 30 years, DUI fatalities still account for about one-third of highway deaths each year.
To help crack down on these senseless deaths, jurisdictions across the state are reminding drivers to plan ahead if they drink, consider the impact of drinking and driving on their families, and know there are steep fines and jail time for DUI arrests.
Kansas DUI laws
Under Kansas law, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher. Penalties for even a first-time DUI include a minimum jail sentence of two days, fines between $750 to $1,000, and license suspension for up to 30 days.
Furthermore, a DUI conviction could result in the driver having to pay for an ignition interlock device (IID) to be installed in their vehicle. An IID is essentially a breathalyzer inside the vehicle drivers must blow into to start their vehicles; furthermore, drivers may even need to take part in a “rolling retest” where they must pull over and activate the breathalyzer again.
Olathe DUI attorneys
If you were charged with DUI in Kansas, contact the Morrison Law Firm, LLC for a consultation about your case with one of our experienced Olathe DUI attorneys. As a former District Attorney with 18 years of experience prosecuting criminals, Paul Morrison understands what it takes to defend the rights of the accused and ensure justice is served. Call us at (913) 780-6666.
