Janell
Blaufuss is often reminded of other people’s choices.
It
was her father’s choice to go jogging early in the morning before heading to
work. It was a driver’s choice to drink and drive. The two choices came
together when a drunk driver hit and killed John Blaufuss in December 2005.
“No
Christmas has ever been the same,” Blaufuss said. “We were such a big, happy
family who loved to get together. No one had more fun than my father. There are
so many places that he is missing.”
Blaufuss
spoke at a press event today announcing, “You drink. You drive. You lose.” enforcement
campaign at Exploration Place in Wichita. Beginning today, through
Monday, Sept. 5, drivers can expect an increase of law enforcement efforts
looking for impaired drivers.
The
Wichita Police Department is one of 150 law enforcement agencies that have
partnered with the Kansas Department of Transportation to crack down on
impaired drivers.
“Drunk driving in Kansas is one of the
deadliest and most often committed crimes,” said Deputy Chief Gavin Seiler of
the Wichita Police. “Law enforcement is highly-trained to identify impaired
drivers and we will be out in full force to stop them. The safety of Kansans is
our primary concern.”
Last
year in Kansas, there were 2,291 alcohol-related crashes, with 75 fatalities
and 1,300 injuries.
“Driving under the influence is more common than we care
to admit,” Kansas DUI Impact Center Executive Director Andrie Krahl said. “It
affects everyone on the road. It’s important to plan ahead for a safe ride
home. Our judgement is not accurate when we are impaired and negatively impacts
our ability to make decisions.”
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDelete