Stanford PD
Press release

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. 17 through Sept. 3.

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

“We aggressively watch for drunk drivers year-round,” Stanford Police 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 fatality every 50 minutes across America. Also according to the NHTSA, 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 3,900 total collisions involving alcohol in Kentucky last year, resulting in more than 1,800 injuries and 121 fatalities. During the Labor Day holiday weekend, there were 57 collisions involving alcohol, resulting in 22 injuries and three 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.”

Last 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 0.02 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,” said Middleton. “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.

During the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, the Stanford Police Department will be holding safety check roadblocks at the following locations:
Miller St. at Powell St.
Miller St. at Whitley Ave.
Miller St. at Logan Ave.
Main St. at Powell St.
Main St. at Whitley Ave.
Main St. at Logan Ave.
Danville Ave. at KY 78
KY 78 at KY 300
Danville Ave. at US 150
Somerset St. at Brock Lane
Somerset St. at US 27
US 150 at Spring Valley Dr.