As the Labor Day weekend approaches, families and friends are making plans to celebrate the end of the summer. Sadly, this festive time has also become a dangerous time for motorists, as many impaired drivers get behind the wheel.
For this reason, state and local law enforcement agencies are joining the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety (KOHS) and officers across the nation for the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign Aug. 19 to Sept. 5. To kick-off the campaign, a press event was held Monday at the Newport Shopping Center.
“This is important to remember: do not trust yourself when you are impaired,” said KOHS Executive Director Noelle Hunter. “As a person in long-term recovery, I know first-hand the risk of getting behind the wheel without a clear mind. I used to be ‘that driver’ but through faith, rehabilitation and determination, I’m now honored to be in a position where I can share my story and save lives.”
Hunter acknowledged an addiction to crack cocaine at the local kickoff for the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign Monday. She was joined by more than 50 law enforcement officers from throughout the region.
In 2015, there were more than 5,500 collisions involving alcohol or drugs in Kentucky, resulting in more than 2,900 injuries and 150 fatalities. During the Labor Day holiday weekend, there were more than 66 collisions involving alcohol or drugs, resulting in 37 injuries and 3 fatalities.
“While we aggressively enforce impaired driving laws year-round, we must increase our visibility during this heavily-traveled holiday,” Kentucky State Police Commissioner Rick Sanders said in a statement. “If you are driving while drugged or drunk, we will be watching and you will be arrested.”
During the 2015 Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign, Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio law enforcement wrote 5,054 drunk and drugged citations.
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 6 office