Beginning Friday, Aug. 17, Arkansas law enforcement officers will participate in a national campaign to prevent impaired driving.
The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over operation will run from Friday, Aug. 17, through Monday, Sept. 3.
“The intensified enforcement campaign coincides with the Labor Day holiday weekend, which is one of the deadliest times of the year for drunk-driving fatalities,” according to a news release from the Arkansas State Police.
The latest data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that 10,497 people died in drunk-driving crashes during 2016.
“Statistically, that means one person is killed every 50 minutes by a drunk driver on our nation’s roads. Over the Labor Day holiday period in 2016 there were 433 traffic crash fatalities nationwide. Of the fatal crashes, more than one-third (36 percent) involved drivers who were drunk,” according to the release.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Col. Bill Bryant is director of the Arkansas State Police and the Governor’s Highway Safety representative.
“We need motorists to understand that they must make the smart decision to drive sober – Labor Day and every day,” Bryant said. “Drunk driving is a crime that is totally preventable.”
The public will notice an increase in state and national media messages designed to educate everyone about the dangers of drunk driving.
“During this period, law enforcement officers in Arkansas will reinforce their patrol assignments aimed at drastically reducing the number of impaired drivers who endanger themselves and others,” according to the release.
As motorists head out to Labor Day festivities, they are urged to remember: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.
The Arkansas State Police Highway Safety Office also makes the following recommendations:
• Drivers should always plan ahead whenever they expect to drive and consume alcohol.
• Designate a sober driver before leaving and give that person the keys.
• Drivers who have been drinking, should call a taxi, take the bus or call a sober friend or family member to get them to their destination safely.
• Promptly contact law enforcement to report drunk drivers seen on the roadways.
• Always wear seat belts.
• If using a motorcycle, use protective safety equipment.
Details: TrafficSafetyMarketing.gov or contact the Arkansas Highway Safety Office at 501-618-8136. For details on the ongoing “Toward Zero Deaths” campaign, visit TZDarkansas.org.