Drivers in Forrest City, as well as Arkansas and all the states in the region, would do well this holiday season to remember the slogan, "You Drink and Drive. You Lose," beginning today.
The slogan, and the trouble a person can get into for ignoring it, are back again this year.
Lt. Tommy Wicker of Arkansas State Police Troop D said that the so-called "official" dates for the Christmas and New Year Holiday emphasis have not been issued yet. However, a national Alcohol-Impaired Driving Crash Crackdown begins today.
"It is kicking off Dec. 19 and continuing through Jan. 4," said Wicker. "We do have the plans made for that."
He said throughout that period, and not just on the holidays themselves, there will be sobriety checkpoints.
"It's going to be in addition to the regular Christmas and New Year crackdowns," he said.
The states of Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas are participating in the program, according to Georgia S. Chakiris, regional administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The program is also national in scope.
Wicker confirmed that the Christmas and New Year holidays seem to bring out the worst in people, as far as drinking while impaired is concerned.
"Typically it is the worst time," said Wicker, "this being Christmas and New Year's both. We normally have more problems during this holiday period because it's so long."
NHTSA records show that in 2002, 242 people in Arkansas died in alcohol-related crashes. Drinking drivers were responsible for about 38 percent of the state's total crash deaths, according to Chakiris.
"The people who died in these crashes were often the very drivers who chose to drink and drive, as well as their passengers and innocent victims who happened to be on the same roadways with them," she said.
"Impaired driving is a crime that shatters lives," said Col. Don Melton, director of the Arkansas State Police. "And we will be out to prevent such tragedies in communities across the state.
According to figures provided by Chakiris, under-age drinkers and male drinkers aged 21 to 34 are among those people most likely to drink and drive.
"Oftentimes, their buddies make them feel like it's just the thing to do," she said. "The message for young drivers during this enforcement period and every day is, 'Don't let your buddies talk you into doing something they can't get you out of. You drink and drive. You go to jail.'"
Melton agreed.
"There will be no warnings," he said. "Violators can lose their licenses, time from their jobs, and lose money in high fines and court costs as well as possibly facing imprisonment for repeat offenses, assault and vehicular manslaughter.
"Refuse a blood alcohol concentration test and you can lose your license on the spot and have your car impounded," he continued. "You'll be spending your money on bail and towing fees instead of holiday gifts."
According to a press release, after a decade of gradual success, fatalities in alcohol-related crashes have not improved significantly in the last three years nationally.
The NHTSA estimates that alcohol-related fatalities rose slightly from 17,400 in 2001 to 17,419 in 2002. An estimated 258,000 persons were injured in crashes where police reported that alcohol was present. That makes an average of one person injured about every two minutes.
"If you find it hard to figure out if you've had too many drinks to drive, don't risk it," said Melton. "Chances are if you're feeling 'buzzed,' you are too impaired to drive safely. Risk driving at an illegal level and chances are law enforcement will catch you and you'll spend some of your precious holiday time in jail."
A national survey shows that nine out of 10 Americans who participate in social events where alcohol is served, feel that people should use designated drivers. The Arkansas Highway Safety Office suggests that party hosts include alcohol-free beverages and protein-rich foods, along with reminding guests to plan ahead.
The "You Drink and Drive. You Lose" mobilization was launched in 1999.
By KENDALL OWENS
T-H Staff Writer
Work to improve the sewer in one area of Forrest City left many residents without water Thursday after contractors accidentally ruptured a water line in the Patillo Acres I subdivision.
According to Marland Brown with the Forrest City Water Utility, contractors installing sewer lines to the neighborhood as part of a state grant to upgrade sewer in three areas damaged the pipes while digging near a road. City crews spent the afternoon and much of the evening working to remedy the problem, finishing at close to 9 p.m. Thursday.
"The contractor cut the lines yesterday while working, and we had to go out and repair it. Even though the lines were cut, we got there before a boil order had to be issued and got everyone back online by 9 p.m.," Brown said.
After working to get everything back up and running, crews were back on scene this morning making further repairs after the weight of a garbage truck caused the lines to separate this morning.
"Everything was fine this morning, but the ground was still soft, and when the garbage truck came through, it broke the lines loose again, but we got out there and got everybody right back on," he said.
Crews with Roberts Contracting Inc., have spent the last few weeks installing sewer lines in the Redfern, Patillo Acres I and Patillo Acres II subdivisions as part of the grant package.
The project is expected to be completed by the end of summer.