Read more: Local, Focus on the Road, Dwi, Drunk Driver, Beer, Crash, Designated Driver, Drive Sober or Get Pulled, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Madd, Drinking and Driving, Highway Patrol, Sobriety
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December is a festive time of year, but also a deadly time on Missouri roads.
That's why the state and families who have been affected by drunk driving are spreading the word.
Last year 217 people were killed and 897 were injured during crashes that involved impaired drivers.
And in just the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas last year, 20 people were killed.
Tuesday dozens of Highway Patrol Troopers, and families of drunk driving victims unveiled the new campaign called "Drive Sober or Get Pulled”.
Pam Huggins son Zachary was killed in 2005.
He was riding in a car with someone he thought would stay sober that night, but did not.
Since the night of his accident Pam has committed herself to make sure other families don't have to go through what she calls a one hundred percent preventable crime.
Huggins said, "We are stuck back in the day when our children were taken from us and the only way we can make any sense of it and be able to move forward is to stop this and help prevent this."
Troopers gathering at the capitol say this month they will increase patrols to enforce drunk driving laws.
Highway Safety Director, Leanna Depue said, "Think about that decision, there is an instant of choice and I think it's very important that our law enforcement are going to be out in full force and if they choose to drink and drive then they are probably going to get pulled over."
Depue said if your celebration includes alcohol, the best way to avoid trouble is to plan ahead, designate a driver, call a cab, or find a safe place to stay.
The Highway Patrol is planning statewide sobriety checks December 5th through the 12th.
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