The Benton County Sheriff's Office announced it will join other law enforcement agencies throughout the country in support of an intensive crackdown on impaired driving through Sept. 7.

The program is known as "Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest."

More than 10,000 law enforcement agencies will participate in this year's crackdown, including law enforcement officers representing every state, the District of Columbia, and many U.S. cities and towns.

In every state as well as the District of Columbia, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent.

In 2007 alone, nearly 13,000 people died in crashes in which the drivers or motorcycle riders were legally impaired, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Among them were 245 children under age 15.

Patrol deputies will be aggressively looking for all impaired drivers during the crackdown and will arrest anyone they find driving while impaired. Some patrol deputies will be working overtime paid for through a grant from NHTSA through the Oregon State Sheriff's Association.

"Our message is simple and unwavering. If we find you driving impaired, we will arrest you. No exceptions," said Sheriff Diana Simpson "Even if you beat the odds and walk away from an impaired-driving crash alive, motorists should be aware that the consequences of driving while impaired can still virtually destroy your life. Driving impaired is simply not worth all the consequences. So don't take the chance. Remember, if you are over the limit, you're under arrest."

Democrat-Herald