Impaired driving

As we enjoy these waning days of summer, it's a good time to remind those on the road to drive safely and not drink and drive.

The Missouri Department of Transportation issued a news release this week reminding drivers that about 240 Missouri state and local law enforcement agencies will be part of a national effort to prevent substance-impaired driving from Aug. 17 through Sept. 3. During this time there will be statewide sobriety checkpoints and DWI saturation patrols.

"If drivers choose to ignore the drive-sober messages, there's a good chance they'll be stopped by law enforcement officers and ticketed," said Leanna Depue, MoDOT director of highway safety. "Though that's a tough experience, it's much better than being arrested for causing a fatal crash."

Law enforcement officials take driving under the influence seriously, as they should. Last year there were 852 DWI arrests during the impaired driving campaign.

This irresponsible behavior costs lives. In 2011, 216 people were killed and 865 seriously injured as a result of accidents involving impaired drivers.

We hope you enjoy these final days of summer, including the Labor Day holiday, but there's no excuse for drinking and driving.

Be safe.