The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is partnering with law enforcement agencies nationwide to target impaired drivers over the Labor Day holiday. This year’s theme is common for traditionally celebratory weekends in Iowa, “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.” The campaign actually launched on Aug. 16 and runs through Monday, Sept. 2. The high-visibility enforcement campaign aims to deter intoxicated drivers and prevent tragedies. Last year, 490 people were killed in traffic crashes nationwide during the Labor Day weekend, with 39 percent involving a drunk driver. NHTSA Regional Administrator Susan DeCourcy says, “We want our community members to understand that it’s our first priority to keep people safe, so we’re asking everyone to plan for a sober ride if they know they’ll be out drinking. The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign is an awareness effort to help drivers understand that impaired driving is illegal, and it takes lives. This partnership between law enforcement and drivers has an important purpose: Helping us protect the community and putting an end to this senseless behavior.” Drivers are encouraged to designate a sober driver, use a rideshare service, or call a taxi if they plan to celebrate this weekend. As of Friday, Aug. 23, Iowa has recorded 198 traffic fatalities this year. To learn more about the dangers of impaired driving, follow the link below.
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www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving
