KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Missouri law enforcement officials will start cracking down on those who get behind the wheel under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

It’s part of a new law that sets tougher regulations on DWI offenders. The new law is being coordinated with a statewide campaign whose slogan is “You drink, you drive, you lose.” The campaign will run from Aug. 20 to Sept. 6.

During the campaign, multiple law enforcement agencies will hit the streets setting up DUI checkpoints and searching out drunk drivers. Last year, 280 people were killed, more than 1,100 were seriously injured and nearly 4,000 people received minor injuries because of impaired drivers in Missouri, law enforcement officials said.

Those who are caught under the new law can expect more jail time for repeat offenders. and people with higher blood alcohol levels. Officials said more cases will go straight to state courts rather than being tried in municipal courts. The result will be stiffer penalties for violators. Officials said record keeping will be tightened making it easier to track past offenders.

Some offenders will be offered the opportunity to take part in a court program that will closely monitor them and make treatment available, rather than go to jail.

Last year, nearly 200 law enforcement agencies took part in the campaign. They issued nearly 1,000 DWI citations.

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