Sheriff’s Office reminding the public to ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’ during Labor Day weekend

Zero tolerance initiative for drunk driving to continue through Sept. 4

Image courtesy National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office is reminding the public to “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” this Labor Day weekend in an effort to end drunk driving.

Labor Day marks the end of the summer, with picnics, cookouts and other activities with loved ones typically planned over the long weekend, a news release points out. However, the holiday also marks “one of the deadliest times of year for drunk-driving related fatal crashes,” the release adds. The Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, “is determined to stop impaired drivers with a high-visibility and highly active national enforcement campaign” that will run through Sept. 4, the release says. Deputies will employ zero tolerance during the initiative “in an effort to significantly reduce drunk-driving both locally and nationwide,” the release adds.

“We will make no exceptions when it comes to drunk driving,” said Sheriff Tom Knight in the release. “As always, citizens should ensure they have a designated driver or some form of alternative transportation if they plan on consuming alcohol. Drunk driving is something that will never be tolerated in Sarasota County.”

The Sheriff’s Office encourages residents to enjoy the end of summer responsibly to reduce traffic crashes and help save lives.