Paulding County Sheriff’s Office is partnering with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to stop drunk drivers and help save lives. The high-visibility national enforcement campaign, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, runs August 19-September 5, 2016. During this period, local law enforcement will show zero tolerance for drunk driving. Increased state and national messaging about the dangers of driving drunk, coupled with sobriety checkpoints and increased officers on the road, aim to drastically reduce drunk driving on our roads.
According to NHSTA, on average, over 10,000 people died each year (2010 to 2014) in drunk-driving crashes.
“People need to understand that drunk driving is not only deadly, but it is illegal,” said Sheriff Jason K. Landers. “Drivers need to pay attention to their own driving and to others on the road who could be driving drunk,” he added. “It is your business. If you think you see a drunk driver, call us and let us know.”
The reality is that people aren’t invincible. Of the 9,967 people who were killed in impaired-driving crashes in 2014, 64 percent were the drunk drivers themselves. Those 6,391 drunk drivers thought they would make it to their destinations, but they didn’t.
During the enforcement period, there will be a special emphasis on drunk-driving enforcement. Local drivers should expect to see more patrol vehicles and increased messaging about the dangers of drunk driving.
“Do not trust yourself when you drink,” said Sheriff Landers. “You may think you aren’t drunk, but law enforcement will know you are. Law enforcement officers’ skills in detecting and identifying drunk drivers have never been better. They will spot you and arrest you.”
“Plan ahead before you go out,” said Sheriff Landers. “Designate a sober driver or call for a ride. But whatever you do, do not drink and drive.”
Remember, there is never an excuse to drink and drive. If you choose to break the law, law enforcement will see you before you see them. Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.
Paulding County Sheriff’s Office road patrol hours are paid with an Ohio Department of Public Safety grant.
