State and local law enforcement agencies across Arkansas will increase impaired-driving enforcement beginning Friday, August 21.
The statewide enforcement campaign will continue through September 7 as part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over initiative.
Officials said motorists can expect increased patrols and enforcement during the campaign. The goal is to prevent impaired-driving crashes and save lives during the busy Labor Day travel period.
Drivers who choose to get behind the wheel after drinking can expect to be stopped and held accountable.
Labor Day remains among the deadliest holiday travel periods for impaired-driving crashes.
During the 2024 Labor Day holiday period, 505 people were killed in traffic crashes nationwide. Of those fatalities, 170, or 34%, were killed in crashes involving at least 1 alcohol-impaired driver with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher.
The danger was especially high among younger motorists. Among drivers ages 18 to 34 who died in crashes during the 2024 holiday period, 40% were impaired with blood alcohol concentrations of .08 or higher.
“Keeping Arkansas roads safe is our highest priority,” Arkansas Public Safety Secretary Colonel Mike Hagar said.
Hagar urged people whose Labor Day celebrations include alcohol to arrange transportation before drinking. Options include designating a sober driver, using a taxi or rideshare service, staying overnight or calling a trusted person for help.
Hagar said there is no excuse for driving impaired and warned that officers across Arkansas will actively look for motorists who make that dangerous decision.
The Arkansas Highway Safety Office recommends taking the following precautions:
• Designate a sober driver before leaving.
• Use a taxi or rideshare service.
• Stay where you are after consuming alcohol.
• Never allow a friend to drive impaired.
• Take the person’s keys and arrange a safe ride home.
Motorists who see someone they suspect is driving under the influence should maintain a safe distance. Contact local law enforcement when it is safe and provide the vehicle’s description, location and direction of travel.
Drivers should never attempt to follow closely, confront or stop a suspected impaired motorist.
Officials are asking Arkansans to celebrate Labor Day responsibly by planning ahead, driving sober and helping protect everyone traveling across the state.
Additional information about impaired driving is available at https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving.
The Arkansas Highway Safety Office can be reached at 501-618-8136.
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