MERIDIAN, Miss. (Queen City Newsfeed) – The Meridian Police Department will increase traffic enforcement beginning Aug. 19 as part of a national campaign aimed at preventing impaired driving ahead of the Labor Day holiday.
The department will participate in the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign through Sept. 7, with officers increasing enforcement throughout Meridian and focusing on impaired driving and other dangerous driving behaviors.
Police said the campaign is intended to prevent crashes, injuries and deaths associated with impaired driving.
“Before you ever take that first drink, make a plan for how you’re getting home,” Assistant Chief Dareall Thompson said. “There is no excuse for putting yourself, your passengers or another family at risk. Our officers will be watching, and if you drive impaired, we will take action.”
In addition to warning motorists against impaired driving, MPD is encouraging drivers to wear seat belts, obey speed limits, slow down and avoid distractions while behind the wheel.
The department said the campaign’s goal goes beyond making arrests and issuing citations, with officers emphasizing prevention and encouraging motorists to make safe decisions before driving.
“One bad decision behind the wheel can change several lives in a matter of seconds,” Thompson said. “We would much rather see everyone make it home safely than have one family receive a call that can never be taken back.”
People who plan to drink alcohol should designate a sober driver, arrange transportation in advance or remain where they are until they can drive safely, police said.
MPD is asking motorists to take personal responsibility and help keep Meridian’s streets safe throughout the Labor Day holiday period.
