Trump’s Transportation Department Reminds Americans to Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over In 2024, one person was killed every 44 minutes in an alcohol-impaired-driving crash

The U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today launched its Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign. As part of the annual high-visibility enforcement campaign, law enforcement officers across the country will increase patrols from Aug. 19 through Labor Day to identify and stop impaired drivers.

In 2024, 30% of all U.S. traffic fatalities involved an alcohol-impaired driver, claiming 11,904 lives. Although alcohol-impaired driving deaths decreased by nearly 4% in 2024, an average of one person still died every 44 minutes in an alcohol-impaired-driving crash.

In fatal traffic crashes in 2024, the largest demographic of alcohol-impaired drivers was men ages 21-34, and fatal collisions involving an alcohol-impaired driver occurred at a rate three times higher at night.

"Law enforcement officers nationwide are increasing enforcement to take dangerous and drivers off the road and save lives. Nearly 12,000 lives were lost in 2024 due to someone who chose to drive impaired, leaving behind families and communities who will never be the same," said NHTSA Administrator Jonathan Morrison. "Driving under the influence is entirely preventable, yet irresponsible choices continue to destroy families every day. NHTSA is using every tool we have to make our roads safer for America's families."

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A national media campaign will run through Sept. 7 and feature ads for TV, radio, and digital platforms, including social media.

During the campaign kickoff at USDOT, NHTSA Administrator Morrison was joined by Ebbony and Raymond Jackson, parents of NFL-drafted football player Khyree Jackson, who was killed by a drunk driver in a 2024 crash. Administrator Morrison also moderated a roundtable with Urban Meyer, Mark Ingram II, Rob Stone, Jerry Ferrara, and Rob Weinmeister, a South Dakota Highway Patrol retired major. Attendees explored a sobriety simulator and signed a national "Pledge to Drive Sober" wall.

NHTSA is also launching the Sober Driving Pledge Tailgate Tour, which will travel to major college football matchups throughout the season to give attendees the opportunity to sign the wall, take the sober driving pledge, and help save lives on the road.

NHTSA is supporting the campaign with two additional messages:

• Drive High, Get a DUI reminds drivers that cannabis and other drugs impair their ability to drive safely and can result in an impaired-driving charge.
• Ride Sober or Get Pulled Over also reminds motorcyclists not to drink and ride, as 40% of motorcycle riders killed in single-vehicle crashes were impaired by alcohol.

NHTSA urges everyone to plan and never drive after consuming alcohol or any other impairing substance. Instead, designate a sober driver, or call a ride-hailing service or taxi to make sure you get home safely. If you see an impaired driver on the road, call 911.