As summer winds down and Labor Day weekend approaches, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is joining the nationwide Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign that started August 13 and runs through September 1.
While the Community Action Target Team (CATT) will increase patrols to deter impaired driving, this effort focuses on awareness and prevention. The Sheriff’s Office would rather see everyone enjoying the last weeks of summer safely than make DUII arrests.
“Labor Day and the last weeks of summer should be about creating good memories with family and friends,” said Sheriff Ty Rupert. “We’re asking the community to help us by planning ahead and making safe choices. If you’re going to drink, please arrange for a sober ride home.”
The Sheriff’s Office encourages residents and visitors to:
- Choose a sober driver before heading out
- Use a taxi or rideshare service if you’ve been drinking
- Take the keys from friends who may be about to drive impaired and help them get home safely
- Call law enforcement if you see a suspected impaired driver
Every year, impaired driving crashes take lives that could have been saved by planning ahead. Deputies are reminding drivers that impairment affects judgment, coordination, and reaction time, making it dangerous to wait until after you’ve been drinking to decide how to get home.
The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign is supported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and law enforcement agencies nationwide. DCSO encourages everyone to do their part to ensure Labor Day ends with celebrations, not arrests or accidents.