The Maine Bureau of Highway Safety has awarded federal funding to law enforcement agencies to conduct high visibility enforcement details to combat impaired driving. The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over (DSOGPO) Campaign kicked off on August 14 and will run through September 2, Labor Day. This is part of a nationwide effort to reduce crash risks and raise awareness about impaired driving during the final stretch of the summer season.

“It is well known that people driving under the influence is a big problem in our state,” said Chief Eduardo Benjamin, of the Holden Police Department, in a MBHS news release. “To address this issue, we will be ramping up our patrols during the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign period. Crashes caused by impaired drivers are 100% preventable.”

Last year in Maine, 60 people lost their lives in impaired driving related crashes. So far in 2024, The Bureau of Highway Safety has been tracking data that shows 24 people died due to impaired driving.

Maine law enforcement officers will be conducting additional patrols during the DSOGPO Campaign to lower the chances that more lives will be destroyed and/or lost due to impaired driving.

“Summer is winding down and kids are preparing to head back to school and college, but end of summer concerts, fairs, and family gatherings are still in full swing”, said Lauren Stewart, Director of the Bureau of Highway Safety. “Don’t let one bad decision ruin your summer memories or even worse, your future. Plan ahead for a sober ride and let the summer end in style!”

The Maine Bureau of Highway Safety wants all motorists to avoid the preventable consequences that are associated with Impaired Driving, so remember the following, “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over”!