St. Joseph County joins Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. – Across the nation an enforcement campaign is underway called Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, with many Michiana counties participating. St. Joseph County Traffic Safety Partnership is the latest to join in an effort to reduce impaired driving and help preserve lives.

The campaign lasts through Labor Day and will see officers conducting overtime patrols, looking for impaired drivers and showing zero tolerance for those they catch.

The patrols are possible with funds from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration which is distributed by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute.

“Drunk drivers will be arrested on the spot — no excuses. The choice is yours. Make the right one by driving sober, using a rideshare service or calling a designated driver. We want everyone to have a good time, but to do so safely,” said Lt. Tim Williams.

In Indiana, it is illegal to drive with a blood-alcohol content of .08 or higher. Drivers under 21 with BAC of .02 or more are subject to fines and can have their license suspended for a year.

“Last year, one person died every 50 minutes in a drunk-driving crash in the U.S. Every one of those fatalities could’ve been prevented. Help us save lives by putting an end to this reckless behavior,” said Devon McDonald, ICJI Executive Director.