Hamilton Co. Boasts of Drop in DUI Arrests and Deadly Alcohol Involved Wrecks

Hamilton County boasts of a drop in DUI arrests and deadly crashes involving alcohol.

It credits a stepped up enforcement effort over the past three years.

And it hasn't cost the county a thing.

Jason Youngblood, Father, "That's the first thing I think of."

With precious cargo Adelyn, Hanna and Isabel to worry about, drunk drivers are never far from the minds of Jason and Kristina Youngblood.

Kristina Youngblood, Mother, "It's very much on the forefront."

That's why they welcome news that Hamilton County saw fewer drunk driving arrests and a drop in deadly alcohol involved crashes from 2008 to 2009.

The Project AIDE grant from the Governors Highway Safety Office gets the credit.

It's purpose?

Captain Charles Lowery, Hamilton Co. Sheriff's Office, "to remove intoxicated drivers off the street and make the streets safe for the citizens of Hamilton County."

The numbers show it appears to be accomplishing that goal.

The sheriff's officers held 6 sobriety check points, cited or arrested 40 underage drinkers, and caught 50 people driving under the influence.

Captain Lowery,"You don't necessarily have to be making the arrests but just the appearance , just being out there for people to see changes behavior."

Captain Charles Lowery says the grant paid for overtime so officers could spend weekend nights focusing on catching drunk drivers.

It also paid for equipment.

It's the third year the county got the funds.

Captain Lowery, "We found out that what was happening is that people began to realize yes we're out we're out in numbers so the impaired driver and the drunk driver began not getting behind the wheel which accomplished a lot in saving lives."

Families like the Youngbloods notice the difference...

Jason, "I haven't seen as many of what I thought was drunk on the road."

and appreciate it.

Kristina, "That we have people that are looking out for our best interests. It does put my mind at ease."

The drop in DUI is being seen nationwide.

The latest numbers from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show DUIs fell in the tri state area and 32 states.