SEARCY, Ark. – While Labor Day weekend is still a little ways away, the Searcy Police Department isn’t wasting any time encouraging drivers to stay safe, and sober, on the roadways.
Throughout the remainder of August and the 2020 Labor Day holiday weekend, police departments statewide — including right here in Searcy, are taking part in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement campaign in an effort to encourage motorists to celebrate safely and make smart driving decisions.
During the 2018 Labor Day holiday, there were 439 crash fatalities nationwide, and 38% of those involved a drunk driver. That same year, an average of one person was killed in a drunk-driving crash every 50 minutes.
Through Labor Day weekend, Searcy Police Officers will be on the lookout for motorists under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
Searcy PD and the NHTSA urge drivers to designate a sober driver before heading out for the day. If you plan on drinking, plan on not driving. Drivers are recommended to follow these safe alternatives to drinking and driving:
• Remember that it is never okay to drink and drive. Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation or a ride-sharing service to get home safely.
• If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact the Searcy Police Department.
• Do you have a friend who is about to drink and drive? Take the keys away and make arrangements to get your friend home safely.