STAFF REPORT
Glasgow News 1
In anticipation of the fast approaching Labor Day weekend, the Kentucky Transportation announced they are joining the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign and reminded people to celebrate the end of summer safely.
Crashes tend to increase over holiday weekends, according to the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety, which also stated there were 4,260 total crashes involving an impaired driver, resulting in 2,062 injuries and 185 deaths in 2024 and 76 crashes that resulted in one death over last year’s holiday weekend. .
There are six fatalities reported in Barren County, one of which involved an impaired driver, according to the office.
“Our top priority is keeping Kentuckians safe,” said Governor Andy Beshear. “If you are under the influence and choose to get behind the wheel, you put everyone on the road in danger, including yourself. Let’s work together to eliminate preventable crashes by committing to celebrate responsibly.”
Although impaired driving enforcement is a year-round effort, the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety is joining the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and law enforcement agencies across the country in the impaired driving campaign, which runs through Sept. 1, 2025.
“It is never acceptable to drive impaired,” said Kentucky Transport Cabinet Secretary Jim Gray. “Alcohol, drugs and even prescription medications can impair your ability to operate a vehicle safely. You may feel ‘OK,’ but impairment slows your judgment, coordination and reaction time.”
The following tips are recommended to stay safe by the transportation cabinet:
- Before the festivities begin, plan a way to get home safely at the end of the night;
- If you’re impaired, use a ride-booking company or taxi, call a sober friend or family member or use public transportation to get home safely;
- If you see an impaired driver, safely pull over and contact law enforcement. You may dial the Kentucky State Police toll-free line directly at 1-800-222-5555 or call 911. Provide a vehicle description, license number, location and, if possible, direction of travel;
- If you know people who are about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to their destination safely;
- Wear a seat belt! It is not only the law, but it is also the best defense against an impaired driver. Buckling up helps prevent injury and death if you are involved in a crash.
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