Big Island motorists urged to plan ahead for Labor Day Weekend: ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’

Hawai‘i Police Department is teaming up with National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as part of a nationwide campaign from now through Labor Day Weekend aimed at deterring driving under the influence.

There are just 2 weeks left until the holiday, and island law enforcement urges residents and visitors alike to plan ahead if alcohol is on the menu for their long-weekend festivities.

Authorities also issued a reminder: “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.”

“With Labor Day weekend right around the corner, our top priority is keeping our community safe,” Hawai‘i Police Department Traffic Services Program Manager Torey Keltner said in a police release announcing the DUI initiative. “If your plans include drinking, please plan ahead and arrange for a safe way to get home.”

There have been 14 fatal crashes on the Big Island so far this year, resulting in 15 fatalities, and alcohol or drug impairment was a factor in half of them.

More than 12,000 people nationwide continue to be killed each year because someone selfishly decides to drive under the influence.

Big Island police are beefing up their DUI enforcement efforts, increasing patrols and sobriety checkpoints around the island throughout the next couple of weeks — especially during the holiday weekend.

“Our officers will be out actively monitoring for impaired drivers,” add Keltner in the release. “We’re committed to doing everything we can to keep our roads safe.”

Hawai‘i Police Department offers these driving tips to ensure a safe holiday weekend:

• Decide on a safe ride home before heading out. Use public transportation, ride-share services or call a friend if you’re too drunk or otherwise impaired to drive.
• Make sure your party guests, if you’re hosting a holiday soirée, can access safe transportation options.
• Be aware of the consequences: Drunk driving offenders face fines, license suspension and possible time in prison.

“Our goal is to ensure that everyone can enjoy their Labor Day Weekend without the fear of impaired drivers  on the road,” Keltner said in the release. “We ask for everyone’s cooperation in making smart, responsible choices.”

Island residents and visitors also are reminded to call 9-1-1 if they see an impaired driver on the road.