Labor Day weekend is approaching, and law enforcement continues their “Driver Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, which started on August 16. The Vincennes Police Department and Knox County Sheriff’s Office are issuing a clear warning to drivers as they intensify efforts to reduce impaired driving. This annual end-of-summer campaign, running through September 2, involves increased patrols and sobriety checkpoints to target those driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) through grants administered by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI), the campaign highlights the serious risks of impaired driving. In 2023, about 20% of traffic fatalities in Indiana involved alcohol impairment, with drug impairment contributing to nearly a quarter of deadly crashes.

“Driving drunk or drug-impaired is a problem for everyone,” said James Bryan, ICJI’s Traffic Safety Director.

Local law enforcement emphasizes the importance of planning ahead if drinking. VPD’s Lt. Bobby Kern says “We want our community members to understand that it’s our first priority to keep people safe, so we’re asking everyone to plan ahead if they know they’ll be out drinking,” said Lt.Kern. “Help us protect the community and put an end to this senseless behavior.”

For more information on impaired driving, visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving.