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| Mon, Oct. 13, 2008 |  |
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Patrols to be increased to prevent underage drinking, driving Tuesday, Mar 25, 2008 Arkansas News Bureau LITTLE ROCK - The Arkansas State Police Highway Safety Office said Monday it will launch a statewide initiative this weekend, the beginning of prom season, aimed at preventing underage drinking and enforcing underage drinking laws. Working with county law enforcement agencies and state police troopers, the Highway Safety Office on Friday and Saturday nights will increase patrols to catch young people who drink and drive, State Police Director Col. Winford Phillips said. More than 40 state and local police agencies will participate in saturation patrols and sobriety checkpoints, he said. Every year around this time the number of underage alcohol-related accidents rise. "Before the prom, spring break and the upcoming graduation, we want to send the message out early and be very clear about the fact that there is a zero tolerance policy for anyone under the age of 21 when it comes to drinking and driving in Arkansas," Phillips said. Along with the checkpoints and increased patrols, there will also be a variety of radio and television advertisements about the dangers of drinking and driving. Under the state's driving under the influence law, people under 21 caught driving with a blood-alcohol level of .02 to .08 can have their drivers' license revoked for up to 90 days, be fined up to $500 and must complete alcohol and driving education programs. Minors with a blood alcohol of above .08, which is the legal limit for adults, face tougher penalties. ------- On the Net: www.stopimpaireddriving.com www.arunderagedrinking.com |
