Thanksgiving Enforcement Period Set to Begin

Next week, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office will be joining other law enforcement agencies across Kansas for the Thanksgiving Traffic Enforcement Campaign, which will run from Monday, November 23rd through Sunday, November 29th.  During this period, thanks to a funding grant from the Kansas Department of Transportation, extra officers will be patrolling our roadways specifically searching for impaired drivers along with improperly and unrestrained motorists. 

Thanksgiving is typically a holiday where increased traffic occurs, and in comparison with other holidays, it outranks all but New Year’s in the average number of crashes where impaired driving is noted as a factor. 

Those driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs endanger not only themselves, but also others they share the road with – such as their passengers, other motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians.  With an average of five people killed or injured in an alcohol / drug-related crash in Kansas each day, law enforcement is committed to working hard to make sure everyone can travel safely during the holiday period. 

Those who choose to drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs face jail time, suspension or revocation of their driver’s license, a fine of $500 to $2,500, participation in an alcohol or other drug treatment program, and the purchase and installation of an ignition interlock device in the offender’s vehicle. 

Thanksgiving is about enjoying time with your family and friends,” stated Cherokee County Sheriff David Groves.  Our office wants to make sure area residents are able to travel to and from holiday gatherings safely and will be concentrate our efforts on detecting and removing intoxicated drivers from the roadways.  If your Thanksgiving plans call for alcohol – any amount at all – don’t consider driving.  Arrange for a ride with a non-drinking acquaintance,” concluded Groves.

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