The Maine Bureau of Highway Safety is supporting the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the national August Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over High Visibility Enforcement Campaign. This year the enforcement campaign runs from August 19 through September 7, 2026. The Bureau of Highway Safety is partnering with many local, county, and state law enforcement agencies to deter driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

"Help us prevent senseless tragedies and make the most of summer’s final days by committing to planning ahead and always driving sober," said MBHS, in a news release.

“Driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol is not an 'accident'. It is a choice," said Lauren Stewart, Maine’s Highway Safety Director, in a news release. "It is a dangerous choice that puts you and others at risk of serious injury or death. You can have fun and still be responsible behind the wheel. You can always plan ahead to ensure that you have a safe ride home, a trusted sober friend, or someone you can call if needed. The risk of driving yourself is simply not worth the consequences.”

"The reckless decision to drive while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs jeopardizes the lives of everyone on the road," said MBHS.

The table below shows the number of fatalities with a BAC higher than .08 during the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Summer Campaigns for the last three years.

Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Summer Campaign Fatalities

“Law enforcement agencies across the State of Maine will be out conducting extra patrols on Maine’s roadways, with a goal of eliminating impaired driving and keeping people safe” said Corporal Stevens from the Washington County Sheriff Office. “Let’s make this a partnership between law enforcement and motorists: help us protect the community and put an end to this dangerous behavior.”

Impairment clouds a person’s judgment and endangers others on the road, said MBHS.

"If you are the designated driver, take that responsibility seriously," said the release. "Don’t let your friends or family drive impaired and don’t let anyone, including yourself, get into a vehicle with an impaired driver."

The Maine Bureau of Highway Safety wants to ensure the message is clear: Make Good Choices. Plan Ahead. Drive Sober.