The Dunklin County Sheriff Department is joining the annual Get Sober or Get Pulled Over Campaign. The campaign begins today (August 15) and runs through September 1. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will be working alongside local law enforcement for the 2025 Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over high visibility enforcement campaign. The goal is to deter impaired driving and prevent these tragedies seen during previous Labor Day weekends.
During the 2023 Labor Day holiday, there were 511 traffic crash fatalities nationwide. Of these 511 fatalities, 36% (185) involved a drunk driver. Drivers should be safe during this Labor Day holiday weekend by planning ahead if they intend to drink. They shouldn’t wait until after drinking to plan how to get somewhere. Impairment clouds a person’s judgment. Drivers should secure a designated sober driver or call a taxi or rideshare for a sober ride home.
If a driver finds they are unable to drive, they should give their keys to a sober driver so that person can get them home safely. When a friend has been drinking and is considering driving, friends should be proactive — take away the keys and help them get a sober ride home. If anyone spots a drunk driver, contact local law enforcement.
REMEMBER:
• Drunk driving is illegal and deadly.
• Even a small amount of alcohol can affect driving ability.
• Drivers will see more law enforcement on the road during the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over high visibility enforcement campaign.
• Law enforcement will be expanding their efforts with zero tolerance for impaired driving.