1,600 Citations Issued During Drive Sober Campaign

Maui police issued 1,600 traffic citations, including 55 DUI arrests during the 20-day Drive Sober or Get Pulled over campaign that ran from Aug. 16 to Sept. 4, 2017.

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Police say all traffic laws were strictly enforced during this campaign with an emphasis being placed on impaired driving. The results of this traffic enforcement campaign are as follows:

Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence of an Intoxicant arrests = 55
Uninsured Motorist citations issued = 214
Driving without a Driver’s License citations issued = 173
Speeding citations issued = 197
Mobile Electronic Device (cell phone) citations issued = 85
Miscellaneous traffic violation citations issued = 931
Total Traffic Citations issued = 1,600

Maui police partnered with the State Department of Transportation and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the campaign, which was aimed at preventing traffic crashes that result in death, injury and economic loss due to impaired driving.

During the campaign, police set up 28 intoxication control checkpoints in various locations throughout Maui County. In addition, police increased dedicated traffic enforcement saturation patrols using both marked and unmarked police vehicles.

Officials say they will continue to patrol the roadways diligently and strictly enforce traffic laws. They added that intoxication control checkpoints will be utilized throughout the community on randomly selected nights at various locations.

Maui Police said “too many families have already been devastated by the tragic, preventable deaths of loved ones in impaired driver related crashes. The Maui Police Department will not tolerate impaired driving in our community. Our goal is to gain the voluntary compliance of all traffic laws by presenting an unmistakable show of force and arresting impaired drivers who put lives at risk.”

Police officials added, “While our dedication to combat drunk driving continues to make our roads safer, the use marijuana and prescription drugs are increasingly prominent on our roadways, creating serious safety concerns. Someone doesn’t have to be on illegal drugs to be impaired. Some prescription and over-the-counter medications can also cause impairment and affect your ability to drive. If you’re taking medications, make sure you read the labels and talk to your doctor or pharmacist before deciding to drive.”

The Maui Police Department’s Traffic Division and DUI Task Force Unit thanked the community for being supportive of the traffic enforcement efforts and extended thanks to those who have helped save lives by driving responsibly and using or being a designated driver.