The Drive To Zero Coalition and law enforcement across multiple states and local agencies, urge drivers to “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” as increased patrols will be in effect from Aug. 16 to Sept. 1 ahead of the Labor Day holiday to support this national traffic safety campaign.
During the 2023 Labor Day holiday (6 p.m. September 1 – 5:59 a.m. September 5), there were 511 traffic crash fatalities nationwide. Of these 511 fatalities, 36% (185) involved a drunk driver. Sixty-eight percent of the impaired drivers killed had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .15 or higher. Among drivers between the ages of 18 and 34 who were killed in crashes over the Labor Day holiday in 2023, 45% of those drivers were drunk, with BACs of .08 or higher.
Impaired driving also can lead to jail time, driving privileges being restricted or revoked, monthly fees associated with an ignition interlock and higher insurance rates. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association, the average cost of a DUI is $10,000. Nationally, crashes involving an alcohol-impaired driver resulted in $57 billion in economic costs.
Planning ahead is key to driving sober. If you choose to drink, arrange for a designated driver or use a ride-sharing service or cab. If a friend is leaving the celebration impaired, take the keys. If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact law enforcement.