Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over 2021 campaign

The United States Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration kicked off its annual "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign for 2021 today, aimed at improving safety for roads nationwide. 

The campaign urges drivers to exercise safety awareness with a focus in preventing impaired driving. 

According to NHTSA data on their website, 10,142 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2019 that involved an alcohol-impaired driver. On average, more than 10,000 people were killed each year from 2015 to 2019.

That is one life lost every 52 minutes.

In 2019, an estimated 13% of fatal pedestrian crashes involved a drunk driver.

The Orange County Sheriff's Office took to social media to show their support for the campaign on their Facebook page.

"We are proud to join @NHTSA in reminding drivers that it is NEVER okay to drink and drive," the OCSO said. "Designate a sober driver before you start drinking, or call a ride-share or taxi to get you home safely."

The campaign will run from Aug. 18 through Sept. 6, which will be Labor Day weekend. 

During the campaign drivers are expected to encounter an increase in law enforcement officers on the road.

NHTSA included these four recommendations for drivers to follow to prevent impaired driving...

• Remember that it is never okay to drive impaired.  
• Plan ahead. Designate a sober driver, plan to use public transportation, or use a ride service to go out and get back home safely. Even one drink can begin to impair your driving ability.  
• If available, use your community’s sober ride program.  
• If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact 911.

For more information, visit the NHTSA website.