HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – Law enforcement across Kentucky is supporting the nationwide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign from Dec. 11 through New Years. 452 impaired driving-related crashes, resulting in 179 injuries and 11 deaths, occurred during the Christmas and New Year holidays over the last five years in the state, according to a news release from KYTC.
In Hopkinsville, community members can expect a higher police presence on the roadways during this holiday period, according to Officer Royale Marfil with HPD. Patrols will put an extra emphasis on speeding, seatbelt violations, and people driving under the influence.
“It’s important for our officers to focus on these violations because it helps prevent collisions and even fatalities while driving,” Marfil told Christian County Now. “We want everybody to be safe, especially during the holidays, and this is one of the ways we do that.”
To raise awareness and kick off the campaign statewide, highway officials joined together for a news conference on Dec. 16 at the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. “With the holiday season here, we want to remind all Kentuckians to celebrate responsibly,” said Bill Bell, executive director of the KYTC Office of Highway Safety. “Every crash caused by impaired driving is entirely preventable. Our message is straightforward: Plan ahead for a sober ride so your family starts the new year with happiness, not heartache.”
If anyone sees an impaired driver on the roads, they are encouraged to safely pull over and contact law enforcement.