‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’ campaign begins locally through Labor Day

August 19, 2022

WNKY Staff,

GLASGOW, Ky. – Both the Glasgow Police Department and Cave City Police Department are participating in a national effort to remind drivers to “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.” The effort runs now through Sep. 5.

This Labor Day weekend, law enforcement officers will be patrolling with increased awareness for impaired drivers. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s Office of Highway Safety says that accidents related to impaired driving often increase during this holiday period.

“Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer, and we want to encourage everyone to celebrate responsibly by booking a safe ride home or designating a sober driver if your celebrations include alcohol,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “Together, we can avoid preventable tragedies on Kentucky roadways.”

According to KOHS, last year there were 4,670 total crashes involving an impaired driver in Kentucky, resulting in 2,187 injuries and 194 deaths. During the Labor Day holiday weekend, there were 69 crashes involving an impaired driver, resulting in 29 injuries and 4 deaths.

“If you are under the influence of any substance and choose to get behind the wheel, you put everyone on the road in danger, including yourself,” said KYTC Secretary Jim Gray. “Drivers must understand that drugs and/or alcohol not only hinder your ability to drive, but also affect your judgment about whether you can or should drive. You may think you’re fine, but impairment slows judgment, coordination and reaction times. Our ask is simple- make safe choices when behind the wheel.”

To prevent impaired driving-related tragedies, the KOHS recommends the following:

Before the festivities begin, plan a way to get home at the end of the night safely;
If you’re impaired, use a ride-booking company, taxi, call a sober friend or family member or use public transportation to get home safely;
If you see an impaired driver, safely pull over and contact law enforcement. You may dial the KSP toll-free line directly at 1-800-222-5555 or call 911. Provide a vehicle description, license number, location and, if possible, direction of travel;
If you know people who are about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to their destination safely;
Wear a seat belt! It is not only the law, it is the best defense against an impaired driver. Buckling up helps prevent injury and death if involved in a crash.

In addition, Cave City Police Department will conduct safety checkpoints from 8 p.m. until 1 a.m. at the following locations: