‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’ campaign begins Friday

LONDON KY—Beginning Friday, Aug.19 and running through Labor Day weekend, the London Police Department as well as police departments across Kentucky will be cracking down on drunken driving during the annual “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign. London Police will conduct high-visibility enforcement and nighttime checkpoints with a strong emphasis on seat belt and child safety seat violations.

“When you put into perspective that when you roll out onto the road you’re not only responsible for your life, everyone in your vehicle, as well as everyone on the road – you are more cautious. Unfortunately, many are under the assumption that after a few drinks they’re still safe to drive,” said Magen Zawko, public information officer for the London Police Department, adding, “Even one drink can have the ability to impair your judgement and reaction time.”

The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign is not exclusive to drivers age 21 and older. The NHTSA has reported that compared with other age groups, teen drivers are at a greater risk of death in alcohol-related crashes, even though they’re too young to legally buy or possess alcohol. Nationally in 2013, 29 percent of the young drivers (15 to 20-years-old) killed in crashes had a BAC of .01 grams per deciliter (g/dL) or higher.

The average DUI costs the offender about $10,000. If convicted of a DUI, the offender faces jail time, the loss of their driver’s license, higher insurance rates, and dozens of other unanticipated expenses. London Police Chief Derek House would like to remind drivers that by simply planning ahead and designating a sober driver or calling a cab after a social event can spare you time and money.

“Keep in mind buzzed driving is drunk driving,” House said, adding, “Before you get behind the wheel, ask yourself if you’re willing to risk a DUI or a fatal crash for the convenience of driving yourself home after drinking.”

High-visibility enforcement such as the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign reduces alcohol-impaired driving fatalities by as much as 20 percent. The campaign will run through Monday, Sept. 5, Labor Day.