Officers plan increased DWI enforcement

LITTLE ROCK (AP) Law enforcement agencies are stepping up enforcement of drunken driving for the Christmas and New Year holidays in the hopes of reducing fatalities on Arkansas roads.

Officials say 13 people died in Arkansas last December as result of drunken driving, and 1,076 people died nationally last December in car crashes involving a driver with a blood-alcohol content of .08 percent or above.

"Choose a designated driver or we'll choose one for you, and we won't take you home," McDaniel said.

Arkansas State Police say 34 percent of traffic fatalities or 226 deaths in the state were caused by alcohol-related crashes last year.

McDaniel was joined Tuesday by Col. Winford Phillips, Arkansas State Police director, and Teresa Belew of Mothers Against Drunk Driving to announce the "Over the Limit. Under Arrest" campaign.

"Typically, the holidays are a time to relax and enjoy being with family and friends. And I certainly enjoy the holidays, but I also have a sense of dread over the holidays," Belew said. "Last year, 13 people in Arkansas were killed, and I have to wonder what will we see this year."