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Drive sober campaign underway

06/30/2021

Law enforcement officials will intensify their patrols across 16-thousand miles of Arkansas highways during the upcoming July 4th holiday. The stepped-up patrol presence by state troopers and local law enforcement authorities is part of a statewide Drive Sober or Get Pulled-Over enforcement operation supported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Beginning as early as Friday, July 2nd, thousands of Arkansans will begin traveling to join friends and families celebrating the nation's birthday. The unified presence of law enforcement officers across the state is intended to protect travelers from the deadly threat of drunk drivers.

"Law enforcement wants everyone to celebrate and enjoy the Fourth of July holiday, but they want safe and sober drivers on the roads," said Searcy County Chief Deputy Dewayne Pierce. "We're constantly repeating the message, drunk driving is dangerous and deadly, yet, some drivers choose to ignore the warning," Pierce said.  "Law enforcement will not accept excuses, and if you're caught drinking and driving, you'll be arrested."

NHTSA documented 10,142 people killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2019 that involved alcohol-impaired drivers. With Fourth of July festivities wrapping up later than usual this year, more vehicles will be on the roads at night. Nighttime July 4th holiday crashes in 2019 claimed 515 lives between 6 PM - 5:59 AM. Thirty-eight percent (198) of those fatalities occurred in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes.

Drivers should remember if they're caught drinking and driving, they'll be arrested.  Driving under the influence of any substance is illegal and will likely result in a DWI conviction.

Law enforcement officials advocate the idea of celebrating, but with good planning.

Have a designated sober driver if you plan to consume alcohol.

If you don't have a designated driver and you've been drinking, call a taxi or someone who is sober to drive you home.

If you know someone who is about to drive or operate a motorcycle or any other vehicle while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to their destination safely.

Buckle up, always. Your seat belt is your best defense against the drunk driver.

Always call 9-1-1 if you see a drunk driver on the road.

This Fourth of July commit to driving 100-percent sober. Don't lose your independence on Independence Day, and don't be a deadly risk to yourself and other innocent people. Remember: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.

For more information on impaired driving, visit https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving or call the Arkansas Highway Safety Office at (501) 618-8136.  For more on Arkansas' ongoing Toward Zero Deaths campaign to eliminate preventable traffic fatalities, visit www.TZDArkansas.org

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