Kansas law enforcement officials this weekend are making drunk drivers an offer they can’t refuse.
They are calling it a “no refusal weekend,” and will be targeting drivers suspected of driving while impaired who refuse to take a breath test when stopped by police.
As part of the effort, judges and prosecutors will be on call so officers can quickly obtain warrants for blood tests for anyone who refuses a breath test.
“Alcohol and driving don’t mix,” Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt said in a press release. “Impaired driving is no accident — nor is it a victimless crime. The No Refusal Weekend brings prosecutors and law enforcement together to combat this danger on our roadways.”
Some people attempt to avoid or reduce their possible punishment for DUI by refusing a breath test, officials said.
Until last year, a person who refused a breath test could be charged with a separate crime in Kansas.
But last year, the state Supreme Court found the law unconstitutional.
Officials said that impaired drivers cause 25 to 30 percent of traffic fatalities in the state. On average, nearly five people are injured every day and one person killed every three days in alcohol-related crashes in Kansas.
Last year, there were 1,119 impaired driving crashes where at least one driver had a blood alcohol level over the legal limit of .08 percent, officials said.
The no refusal weekend on Aug. 19 and 20 is part of the larger “You drink. You drive. YOU LOSE.” enforcement effort that runs through Sept. 3.
Tony Rizzo: 816-234-4435, @trizzkc
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