‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’ runs Aug. 16-Sept. 4

STANFORD – If you choose to drink and drive in Stanford, beware. The Stanford Police Department is joining with law enforcement throughout the nation for the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign Aug. 16 through Sept. 4. 

The strong nationwide impaired driving crackdown will include high-visibility enforcement, high-profile events and will be supported by the national paid advertising, creating a comprehensive campaign to curb impaired driving. 

“We aggressively watch for drunk drivers year-round,” Chief Zach Middleton said. “But by joining this effort, we will make Stanford’s roadways safer for everyone during the heavily-traveled Labor Day holiday.” 

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), on average, there is one alcohol impaired driving related fatality every 51 minutes across America. High-visibility enforcement such as the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign reduces alcohol-impaired driving fatalities by as much as 20 percent. 

There were more than 4,200 collisions involving alcohol in Kentucky last year, resulting in more than 1,900 injuries and 119 fatalities. During the Labor Day holiday weekend, there were more than 60 collisions involving alcohol, resulting in 30 injuries and two fatalities. 

“We hope the campaign will serve as a reminder that those who choose to drink should never get behind the wheel,” Middleton said. “But if someone does choose to drive while drunk, we will arrest them. No warnings. No excuses.” 

This year, Senate Bill 133 passed the legislature and will require repeat DUI offenders to blow into an ignition interlock device, which is installed on the vehicle. The vehicle will not start if the person’s blood-alcohol concentration exceeds a .02 level. 

First-time DUI offenders are not required to have the device installed unless there is an aggravating circumstance, such as speeding or driving drunk with a child in the car. 

“Driving impaired is simply not worth the risk, so don’t take the chance,” Middleton said. “Remember, we will be out in force, so ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.’” 

For more information, visit the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign headquarters at www.nhtsa.gov/drivesober.