Pine Bluff, Arkansas – The Pine Bluff Police Department is teaming up with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, aimed at curbing impaired driving during the upcoming Labor Day holiday. This high-visibility enforcement effort will run through September 2, 2024, covering one of the busiest travel times of the year.
Labor Day weekend has historically been a dangerous period on the roads. Statistics from the 2022 Labor Day weekend reveal a grim reality: out of 490 traffic fatalities, 190 involved drunk drivers, accounting for 39% of the total. Moreover, a quarter of these incidents involved drivers with blood alcohol concentrations (BAC) nearly twice the legal limit (.15+ BAC). Notably, among the deceased drivers aged 18 to 34, nearly half were found to have BAC levels of .08 or higher.
Lieutenant DeShawn Bennett of the Pine Bluff Police Department emphasized the community’s role in this safety initiative. “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,” he stated. The campaign is not only a preventive measure but also a call to action for drivers to engage in responsible behaviors that can save lives.
The campaign’s message is clear: impaired driving is illegal and deadly. As part of the effort to protect the community, law enforcement officers will be particularly vigilant during this period, ensuring that those who choose to drive under the influence are apprehended.
To avoid the risks associated with impaired driving, the Pine Bluff Police advise all drivers to plan their return home in advance. This planning should include arranging for a sober driver or ensuring alternative transportation options are available. For those who find themselves unable to drive, it is crucial to pass the car keys to someone who has not been drinking.
The community is also encouraged to look out for one another; friends should prevent each other from driving drunk by taking their keys and arranging a safe ride home. In cases where a drunk driver is observed, residents should not hesitate to contact the Pine Bluff Police dispatch center at 870-541-5300, or dial 911 in emergencies.
For additional resources and information on the dangers of impaired driving, visit the NHTSA’s dedicated webpage at www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving. Through collective efforts and responsible actions, we can ensure a safer Labor Day weekend for everyone.
