Ballwin Police Preview DUI Lookout Dates

The  is expected to keep an extra close eye on drivers next month as the city prepares to deal with a possible influx of drivers under the influence. Just in time for the holidays, the department received a grant from the Missouri Department of Transportation that will be used to intensify patrols in town.

Specifically, the department will target potential drivers under the influence on Dec. 6 through 12. On those days, the department will increase patrols by assigning a still-undetermined number of officers overtime work hours to be reimburse by MODOT.

Next month's additional patrols are aimed at preventing automobile collisions which killed 280 people in Missouri last year, while more than 3,700 people received minor injuries related to crashes with an impaired driver and more than 1,100 were seriously injured.

"Losing a loved one during the holiday season is a tragedy no one should have to endure," Ballwin Police Chief Steve Schicker said in a written statement. "Impaired driving is a preventable crime, and we intend to crack down so drivers feel secure when traveling on our roadways."

The grant, which is part of MODOT's 'You Drink and Drive, You Lose' campaign, helps the department enforce traffic safety without resorting to unpopular and sometimes controversial tactics involving road blocks and drunk driving checkpoints.

"I guess since we do this, we feel like a DWI checkpoint is really unnecessary since this pretty much accomplishes the same goal," said Officer Dan Hawk.

Hawk said the grant also gives the department the chance to remind drivers about the potential punishments for driving under the influence, which can range from a month-long driver's license suspension to seven years in prison.

"And if you ask some regular person on the street what happens when you get a DWI, I doubt most people would know what the consequences are."