‘Nothing is worse than knowing you are responsible for taking the life of another,’: Police out looking for drunk drivers

OLATHE, Kan. (KCTV) - Police are out looking for impaired drivers heading into the New Year.

Starting Thursday, officers across Kansas will hit the streets as part of their “Taking Down DUI” initiative.

According to the Kansas Department of Transportation -- last year, from Dec. 19 to Jan. 1 -- nine people died in crashes, and 19 crashes involved impaired drivers, leaving 12 people injured.

Sergeant John Moncayo with the Olathe Police Department is one of the officers who will be out patrolling. He said a lot of crashes happen close to the person’s home.

ALSO READ: Affidavit reveals new information about Overland Park standoff

“You don’t know what’s going to happen once you get behind that wheel,” Moncayo said. “You think you might be going straight home, and then it can turn into a tragedy within a block. The last thing they want is to ruin their lives or someone else’s lives. Nothing is worse than knowing you are responsible for taking the life of another.”

Moncayo said the best thing you need to do is plan ahead. Know if you’re going to call a rideshare, call a friend or have a designated driver.

“We understand people are adults but at the same time, but at the same time you have to make sure that you’re taking someone else’s life into consideration,” Moncayo said.

Increased patrols will be out until Jan. 2.

ALSO READ: Making plans? You don’t have to go all the way to Times Square to enjoy New Years Eve

Copyright 2024 KCTV. All rights reserved.