Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office Releases Results of the St. Patrick’s Day Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Campaign

The Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office worked around the clock during the St. Patrick’s Day weekend. Partnering with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over drunk-driving enforcement campaign showed zero tolerance for impaired driving and helped keep community streets safe during the weekend of holiday festivities.

The Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office ramped up its usual enforcement efforts, adding four (4) deputies for this enforcement. The Sheriff said that by removing drunk drivers from the roads, many lives were likely saved.  During the enforcement four (4) tickets were issued for speeding, one (1) for seat belt, one (1) for uninsured motorist, two (2) for suspended/revoked licenses and two (2) fugitives were apprehended.  Deputies also issued 93 warnings for various other violations.

“St. Patrick’s Day should be a time for making memories, not for destroying lives,” said Sheriff Brad DeLay. “Too often, our law enforcement officers on the streets are arresting drunk drivers who, frankly, know better.  Drunk drivers endanger other drivers, vehicle passengers, and pedestrians.  There is just no excuse for this selfish behavior.”

With more than a quarter of traffic fatalities involving drunk drivers in 2016, it’s safe to say that drunk driving is still an issue. “We won’t stop showing zero tolerance for drunk driving,” said Sheriff DeLay.  “Drunk driving is illegal, but we’re here to help them understand:  Drunk driving is illegal, it is deadly, and it is unacceptable.  If you are going to head out for a night of fun, be responsible and plan for a sober ride home.  It’s that simple.”

For more information on this and other highway safety campaigns, visit www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov.