Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over
Ahead of the Labor Day holiday, a reminder to drivers:
Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over
From August 10 through September 2, including the Labor Day holiday weekend, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will be partnering with local law enforcement for the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over high-visibility enforcement campaign. The goal is to deter impaired driving and prevent the tragedies experienced in previous Labor Day weekends from recurring.
According to the Michigan Traffic Crash Reporting System (TCRS), in 2023 there were 8,817 motor vehicle crashes involving alcohol and 2,250 crashes involving drugs. Of these 11,067 crashes, 502 were fatal, resulting in 553 deaths. Sheriff Chuck Heit is committed to making Berrien County safer, and the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office will be conducting extra patrols throughout August, focusing on reducing impaired driving.
“We want our community members to understand that keeping people safe is our top priority,” said Sheriff Chuck Heit. “We’re asking everyone to plan ahead if they know they’ll be drinking. The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign aims to raise awareness about the dangers of impaired driving and its deadly consequences. Let’s work together—law enforcement and drivers—to protect our community and eliminate this preventable behavior.”
Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead if they plan to drink during the Labor Day holiday. Don’t wait until after drinking to figure out how to get home. Impairment impairs judgment, so it’s important to secure a designated sober driver or use a rideshare service for a safe ride home.
If you are unable to drive, hand your keys to a sober friend so they can drive you home safely. If a friend has been drinking and is considering driving, take their keys and help them find a sober ride. If you spot a drunk driver, contact local law enforcement immediately.
For more information on impaired driving, visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving.
