As Labor Day approaches, many Americans’ thoughts turn to firing up the barbecue grill for one last party before ushering in the unofficial beginning of fall. Others head out to the rivers and lakes for a last hurrah before putting their boats up for another season.
What these and other typical Labor Day activities have in common is that alcohol often features prominently in these festivities. Certainly, there is nothing wrong with celebrating the day dedicated to the American worker. But as Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear urged in a recent press release, “If you are under the influence and . . . get behind the wheel, you put everyone on the road in danger. . . Let’s . . . celebrate responsibly.”
Agencies collaborate for safety
As they do for other holidays known for alcohol consumption, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety (KOHS), the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) and local and state law enforcement agencies are partnering to increase patrols and keep unsafe and impaired drives from harming others.
The nationwide campaign, known as “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” runs from now through September 4. If successful, there will be fewer injuries and deaths from highway collisions than there were last year.
Sobering statistics
In 2022, over the same span of days in Kentucky, impaired motorists were involved in at least 76 wrecks that caused one fatality and another 44 people to suffer injuries. This is particularly egregious when you realize that these accidents were preventable and due to the careless disregard and negligence of drunk or drugged drivers.
What to know if you get hit by a drunk driver
If an impaired motorist caused you or your loved ones to get hurt in a car crash, you may be able to seek compensation in the civil court system for your injuries, losses and other damages.