CHARLESTON, W.Va. — As the school year gets underway and roads get busier across West Virginia, state troopers are planning to crack down on impaired driving.
State Police Spokesman Lt. Michael Baylous says some reserve monies have made it possible to target certain areas, and not necessarily random spots.
“There will be some targeted areas. We’re going to look at areas where there’s some big athletic events. Maybe football games and basketball games at high schools or even some of the universities in our state,” Baylous said.
Baylous said any events that see high attendance would also have an increased State Police presence.
“Anytime there’s an event that’s going to draw a large crowd, expect to see more state troopers on the roadways,” he said.
Driving under the influence of drugs has become as much a problem as those who drive intoxicated, Baylous said.
“I think it is as much a problem as it’s ever been and it has evolved some through the years. It doesn’t seem to be that we’re seeing as many people impaired from alcohol, but we’re seeing more and more people impaired from either illegal or prescription drugs.”
Targeted enforcement and extra patrols are made possible through the Governor’s Highway Safety Program.
“We take troopers who have already completed their regularly scheduled work hours and this is overtime hours that they can go out and work these patrols,” said Baylous.
Increased enforcement will begin sometime in the coming days and weeks to coincide with school starting across the state.