Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over During Thanksgiving Holiday

File photo.

As part of a national and statewide campaign called “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” police officers will conduct islandwide DUI checkpoints during the Thanksgiving weekend.

Sergeant Robert P. Pauole, head of the Traffic Services Section, said impaired driving has been responsible for nine of the 28 fatalities so far this year.

“Always remember to have a designated, sober and licensed driver before you start drinking,” Pauole said. “If you can’t find one, don’t take a chance—take a taxi.”

Pauole also urges motorists to wear seat belts during every trip to prevent injury or death in the event of an accident.

Thanksgiving weekend is one of the busiest travel times of the year, which means it has the potential for more crashes.

Buckling up provides the best defense against injury or death in a crash, Pauole said.

“The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration reports that risk of fatal injury goes down by 45% for front-seat occupants of passenger cars who wear seat belts and by 60% for light-truck occupants who wear them,” Pauole said. “Survive your Thanksgiving drive. Buckle up and drive sober.”