Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over initiative has begun

BECKLEY, WV (WVNS) — The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over initiative was in full swing as of Tuesday, August 20, 2024, coinciding with back-to-school season.

Beginning two weeks before Labor Day weekend, the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over initiative aims to reduce the number of impaired drivers on the roadways. This includes distracted drivers, drunk drivers, and drivers under the influence of recreational or prescription drugs.

Law enforcement agencies up patrols during the duration of the initiative and also hold DUI checkpoints.

Sergeant Jamie Wilhite with the Beckley Police Department is also the Regional Coordinator for the Governor’s Highway Safety Program. He said impaired driving does not only happen during a specific time.

“We’ve definitely seen a rise in drug impaired driving throughout the course of the day. So, drug impaired driving can happen at 8 o’clock in the morning, 11 o’clock in the morning, [or even] 2 o’clock in the afternoon,” said Sergeant Wilhite. “Whereas not all, but the majority of the alcohol impaired driving happens a little bit later in the evening into the night.”

Sergeant Wilhite also encouraged drivers to be more vigilant in general as children are heading back to school in the coming days.

“First and foremost, we have to avoid distractions, right? We’ve got put down our cellphones, we have got to put down whatever distraction you have inside the vehicle, and allow yourself that extra time to get to wherever it is you’re going because the streets are gonna be busier in the mornings. Right now, it’s not too bad, but here in the next two or three days, traffic’s gonna pick up,” said Sergeant Wilhite.

Sergeant Wilhite said to be present and aware when you are behind the wheel to keep yourself and others safe.

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