Labor Day safety campaign urges drivers to ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’

As Labor Day approaches, the Kansas Department of Transportation reminds motorists to celebrate responsibly by driving sober during the holiday weekend.

To deter impaired driving, motorists will see increased local and state law enforcement presence on Kansas roads from Aug. 19-Sept. 7 as part of the national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement campaign.

Although 2025 data showed a decrease in alcohol-related crashes compared to the previous year, preliminary Kansas data for 2025 indicates that alcohol-impaired driving still had devastating consequences. An estimated 66 people were killed and more than 950 were injured in crashes involving an alcohol-impaired driver. In addition, drug-related crashes claimed 51 lives and injured 240 people. Every one of these crashes — and the resulting deaths and injuries — was preventable.

“Even a small amount of alcohol can affect a person’s ability to drive,” said KDOT Behavioral Safety Manager Gary Herman. “Impaired driving can have life-changing consequences for the driver, passengers and everyone sharing the road. A single decision to drive after drinking can result in serious consequences, including fines, jail time, injuries or even death.”

KDOT encourages drivers to:

• Designate a sober driver or use a cab or ride-share service if planning to drink or use drugs.

• Never let someone who is impaired by alcohol or drugs drive. Take the keys and arrange a sober ride.

• Make sure all guests at gatherings have a safe way home.

• Contact local law enforcement if you see an impaired driver on the road.

Drivers can find more educational resources on impaired driving by visiting the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website at www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving and nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drug-impaired-driving.

For the latest updates on road closures and conditions, visit  KanDrive.gov, call 511 in Kansas or 866-511-5368 outside Kansas. Travelers who need assistance on the highway can dial *47 for the KHP or *582 while on the Kansas Turnpike. If it’s an emergency, call 911.