FRANKFORT, Ky. — As Labor Day approaches, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is reminding Kentuckians to celebrate the end of summer safely by planning for a sober driver if festivities include alcohol.

What You Need To Know

  • The Kentucky Office of Highway Safety is joining national efforts to remind drivers to drive sober over the Labor Day weekend

  • The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet there were 77 crashes involving impaired drivers last year for Labor Day

  • Last year, there were 4,324 total crashes involving an impaired driver, resulting in 2,085 injuries and 181 deaths, according to the KOHS

  • The KOHS encouraged Kentuckians to designate a sober, designated driver if festivities include alcohol

“Ensuring the safety of Kentuckians is our highest priority,” said Gov. Andy Beshear, D-Kentucky. “Driving under the influence endangers not only yourself but everyone on the road. Let’s unite to prevent avoidable crashes by pledging to celebrate responsibly.”

KYTC said impaired driving crashes typically increase over holidays, so its Office of Highway Safety is joining the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and law enforcement across the nation in reminding drivers to “Drive sober or get pulled over.”

“Driving impaired is never acceptable,” said KYTC Secretary Jim Gray. “Drivers need to realize that drugs and alcohol not only impair your driving abilities but also cloud your judgment about whether you should drive. Even if you feel fine, impairment slows your judgment, coordination and reaction times.”

Last year, there were 4,324 total crashes involving an impaired driver, resulting in 2,085 injuries and 181 deaths, according to the KOHS. Of the 793 single-vehicle motorcycle crashes last year, 41 involved alcohol, resulting in 32 injuries and seven deaths.

 

During the Labor Day holiday weekend last year, there were 77 crashes involving an impaired driver, resulting in 29 injuries and six deaths.

The KOHS recommends the following:

  • Before the festivities begin, plan a way to get home at the end of the night safely;

  • If you’re impaired, use a ride-booking company, 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 KSP 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; it is the best defense against an impaired driver. Buckling up helps prevent injury and death if involved in a crash.

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