Merriam police officers will work overtime hours to target impaired drivers during the annual “You Drink. You Drive. You Lose.” campaign that runs Thursday, Aug. 16 through Labor Day.

Sponsored by the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT), the campaign aims to remove drunk and impaired drivers from Kansas roadways. Merriam police officers will look for cues usually related to driving while intoxicated (DWI) violations such as weaving, speed changes, unsafe lane changes, and other indicators related to impaired drivers.

“Merriam officers will work hard looking for intoxicated drivers during this annual campaign,” Merriam Police Chief Michael Daniels said. “Wouldn’t it be nice if they didn’t have to? Please don’t drink and drive.”

Drivers who fail DWI tests and are convicted can serve up to one year in jail, lose their driver’s license, and pay up to $10,000 in fines and other costs. The Merriam Police Department will join 150 law enforcement agencies across the state as part of the “You Drink. You Drive. You Lose.” campaign.