- Massachusetts Department of Transportation
BOSTON — Labor Day is a time to celebrate the end of a great summer, but that doesn’t mean celebrations should result in people choosing to drive or ride impaired. Driving or riding a motorcycle under the influence of alcohol or marijuana is dangerous to everyone on the road, especially during the August/Labor Day period, when data shows there are notable fatality increases.
Local law enforcement across the United States will unite this August to support the goal of deterring impaired driving to prevent crashes. Labor Day enforcement events are planned, as statistics show that the Labor Day holiday is a time of increased fatal traffic crashes. In 2023, during the Labor Day holiday, there were 511 traffic crash fatalities nationwide, and 36% of those fatalities involved a drunk driver. Among drivers between the ages of 18 and 34 who were killed over the 2023 Labor Day holiday, an even greater percentage – 45% - were legally drunk with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher.
Drivers can help law enforcement protect their community by being aware that drunk driving is both illegal and deadly. —Be responsible to protect yourself and everyone in your vehicle and on the road.
Drivers will see more law enforcement on the road from August 15-September 1 as part of the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” high visibility enforcement campaign.
Law enforcement will have zero tolerance for impaired driving. The goal is to save lives.
Even a small amount of alcohol can affect driving ability.
Be safe over the holiday weekend by planning to secure a designated sober driver or call a taxi or rideshare for a ride home.
If a driver finds they cannot drive, they should give their keys to a sober driver so that person can get them home safely. When a friend has been drinking and is considering driving, you should be proactive — take away their keys and help them get a sober ride home. If anyone spots a drunk driver, contact local law enforcement.
End the summer with good memories and have a safe and responsible Labor Day!
For more information on impaired driving, visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving.
#DriveSober#RideSober #DontDriveHigh
The MAPFRE Insurance-sponsored MassDOT Highway Assistance Program is on patrol to help all motorists, including motorcyclists, on the highways. Patrol operators monitor some of the state’s busiest highways around Metro Boston, Worcester, Springfield, and Cape Cod (seasonal). The Highway Assistance Patrol covers 13 major state roadways and interstates, the Emergency Service Patrol covers the Mass Pike (I-90) from New York to Boston and the Incident Response Operators cover the Metropolitan Highway System and tunnels. The Highway Assistance Patrol is in service Monday–Friday between 6 a.m.–10 a.m. and 3 p.m.–7 p.m. During holidays, there are extended routes in heavy-traffic areas. On I-90, and in Boston’s tunnel system, assistance is provided 24 hours per day, 7 days a week.
Written by,
Your friends at MAPFRE Insurance
