Drive Sober Campaign in Full Force through Labor Day

 Posted on August 28,2015 in DUI

Municipalities around the country are joining forces with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA) for its annual end-of-summer push to reduce drunk driving fatalities. More than 10,000 local police departments have pledged to participate in the crackdown, enforcing zero-tolerance policies for exceeding the legal intoxication limit. Authorities will be setting up sobriety checkpoints, looking for those driving under the influence and issuing citation for seatbelt violations as well.

National Awareness

The NHTSA has invested nearly $13.5 million in this year's effort, part of its ongoing “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign. According to NHTSA statistics, approximate 10,000 people are killed every year in crashes involving drunk drivers. “Drunk driving is deadly, it's against the law, and despite years of progress, it's still a problem,” said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx. Cooperation from law enforcement agencies around the country and the increased awareness efforts are serious, according to Foxx. “If you've been drinking, don't drive, because if you do, you will be stopped, you will be arrested and you will be prosecuted.”

Local Efforts

Here in our region, county and local law enforcement officials are ready to do their part in keeping area roadways safe. Sgt. Vince Gambino of the Will County Sheriff's Office affirmed Secretary Foxx's concerns. “Too many people think their actions don't affect anybody else,” he said. “They know it's illegal. They know it's wrong. But they do it anyway.” Sobriety checkpoints are planned for Labor Day weekend and deputies will be on the lookout for drunk drivers, as well as compliance with seatbelt and other safety laws.

The NHTSA and cooperating agencies encourage those who plan to drink to find alternatives to getting the wheel. Call a friend or a taxi, use Uber or Lyft, or stay where you are until you are sober. Driving drunk is simply not worth the risk. The national crackdown is already underway and will run through the Labor Day holiday on September 7.

If you are facing charges for drunk driving, the potential penalties and impact to your life can be severe. Fortunately, however, you may have available options and the experienced Will County DUI defense attorney at the Law Offices of Tedone and Morton, P.C. can help you understand them. Call us today for a free initial consultation and get the representation you need to protect your future.