The problem of impaired driving is a serious one. While America witnessed a decline in the number of impaired driving fatalities from 2007-2008, the numbers are still too high. That’s why the Mentor Police Department will join other law enforcement agencies throughout the country in support of an intensive crackdown on impaired driving this August 20–September 6, known as, Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest.

In 2008 alone, nearly 12,000 people died in crashes nationwide in which a driver or motorcycle rider was at or above the legal limit of .08. The age group with the highest percentage of alcohol impaired drivers in fatal crashes is young people age 21-24. According to the latest data, 32 percent of fatalities in motor vehicle traffic crashes involved a driver or motorcycle rider with a BAC of .08 g/dL or above — an average of one fatality every 45 minutes.

Through an Ohio Department of Public Safety High Visibility Enforcement grant additional officers will be used during peak hours to help enforce all traffic laws. The Mentor Police Department will be aggressively looking for all impaired drivers during the crackdown and will arrest anyone they find driving while impaired — regardless of age, vehicle type, or time of day.

The national Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest. crackdown is led by NHTSA and combines high-visibility enforcement with heightened public awareness through advertising and publicity.