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Police put more effort on stopping drunk driving this holiday season

November 21, 2011|By Kim Hynes | KWCH 12 Eyewitness News

(WICHITA, Kan.) — Local law enforcement is teaming up to combat against drunk driving this holiday season.  You'll see red ribbons tied around police cars to raise awareness of the dangers of drinking and driving.

Normally the Wichita Police Department and Sedgwick County Sheriff's Department participate in the Holiday Drive.  But this year, 18 law enforcement agencies are teaming up with the Wichita Crime Commission and DUI Victim's Center. 

The agencies include, Andover, Bel Aire, Derby, Dodge City, Emporia, Haysville, Maize, Park City, Valley Center, Wellington, Ford County Sheriff's Office, Kansas Highway Patrol, Lyon County Sheriff's Office, Emporia State University and Wichita State University police departments along with the Wichita Public Schools Safety Services Department.

"Each year between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day we see an increase in drunk driving," said DUI Victim Center of Kansas Executive Director Mary Ann Khoury.  "As in past years, law enforcement officers will be aggressively looking for impaired drivers.  We also want to raise public awareness of the problem of drunk driving and encourage citizens to report those who have had too much to drink then get behind the wheel."

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This week, students at USD 259 high schools also are tying red ribbons on vehicles at their schools.  "This is another example of a positive community partnership," said Khoury.

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