MA Police Begin Labor Day Drunk Driving Enforcement Campaign

MASSACHUSETTS — A statewide campaign to curb drunk driving kicked off Wednesday, and police across the state will be mounting special DUI patrols and outreach over the next few weeks.

The annual “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign targets the end-of-summer season, when many people are celebrating the end of summer around Labor Day.

"This annual campaign is strategically scheduled to take place at the end of August and the beginning of September when individuals may choose to join end of the summer and Labor Day holiday festivities," MassDOT said in a news release. "State and local law enforcement across the Commonwealth will also mobilize during the campaign to conduct enforcement operations related to impaired driving."

About half of the more than 500 fatal crashes that occurred over the 2020 Labor Day weekend involved drivers who have some level of alcohol in their blood, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data.

In Massachusetts, typically about a quarter of all drivers injured in a crash involve alcohol or drug use, according to state Department of Public Health data.

“We strongly encourage individuals to drive sober, not impaired or distracted to help save lives and ensure that roadways across the Commonwealth are safe for all users,” said Transportation Secretary Jamey Tesler said. “It is important for people to remain vigilant, stay focused, drive sober, and pay attention to stay safe and prevent crashes as summer seasons winds down and people continue to travel and enjoy outdoor activities and festivities.”