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 By  Staff Reports Published 
4:51 pm Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Officials on lookout for impaired drivers

By Staff
Melissa Cason
Local law enforcement is in the midst of another traffic overtime blitz. This time, officers are looking for drivers under the influence.
Russellville Police Captain Shannon Oliver said the increased traffic patrol period began Aug. 21 and will run through Labor Day weekend.
"During this time period, we are going to have extra officers patrolling, searching for impaired drivers," Oliver said.
The overtime is paid for through a grant administered by the North Alabama Highway Safety Office.
Oliver said the grant will pay for approximately 50 overtime for the officers.
"We offered the overtime to the officers, but usually a small group decides to work the overtime," Oliver said.
During the overtime period, officers will be required to make at least one contact per hour in accordance to the grant.
"A contact is when an officer comes in contact with the community," Oliver said. "Assisting motorists is an example of a contact."
The following tips are offered for a safe Labor Day:
and give that person your keys;

  • if you're impaired, call a taxi, use mass transit or call a sober friend or family member
    to get you home safely;
    specifics here];

  • promptly report drunk drivers you see on the roadways to law enforcement;
    a motorcycle is your best defense against an impaired driver;

  • if you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.
    The Over the Limit, Under Arrest campaign is a nationwide campaign is a nationwide campaign designed to deter motorists from driving while impaired.

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