Pine Bluff, Arkansas – As the Labor Day holiday approaches, the Pine Bluff Police Department is teaming up with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to take part in the nationwide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” enforcement campaign. Running from August 15 through September 1, 2025, this high-visibility initiative aims to stop impaired drivers before they cause harm and prevent tragedies from repeating themselves during one of the most traveled holiday weekends of the year.
Focused on Saving Lives
The campaign is designed to remind drivers of the deadly consequences of drinking and driving, and law enforcement is making it clear that drunk driving will not be tolerated.
“We want our community members to understand that it’s our first priority to keep people safe, so we’re asking everyone to plan ahead if they know they’ll be out drinking,” said Lieutenant DeShawn Bennett, Public Information Officer for the Pine Bluff Police Department. “The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign is an awareness effort to get the message out that drunk driving is illegal and it takes lives. Let’s make this a partnership between law enforcement and drivers: Help us protect the community and put an end to this senseless behavior.”
According to national data, impaired driving remains one of the leading causes of traffic fatalities across the country. The hope is that by increasing awareness and visibility of law enforcement efforts, the number of alcohol-related crashes and deaths will drop significantly this Labor Day.
Plan Ahead or Face Consequences
Authorities are urging drivers to make smart choices before any holiday celebrations begin. Waiting until after drinking to make a decision about how to get home is a mistake that can cost lives. Police recommend choosing a designated sober driver ahead of time, using public transportation, or calling a ride-share service.
For those who do find themselves in a situation where they are too impaired to drive, the police strongly advise giving car keys to someone sober and capable of driving safely. In addition, friends and bystanders are encouraged to step in if someone they know is attempting to drive while intoxicated. Taking away the keys and offering help is a step that could prevent a tragedy.
Residents are also asked to be vigilant. If anyone sees a drunk driver on the road, they should immediately contact the Pine Bluff dispatch center at 870-541-5300 or call 911 in case of an emergency.
As the holiday weekend nears, Pine Bluff police are emphasizing that there will be zero tolerance for impaired driving. The message is simple: If you choose to drive drunk, expect to be pulled over—and possibly arrested. Make the responsible choice and help keep Pine Bluff’s roads safe this Labor Day.
