The Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office (NJ) shares an upcoming traffic initiative

SOMERVILLE, N.J. – From August 19 through September 7, 2026, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will join forces with local law enforcement agencies across the country to deter impaired driving and help prevent crashes during the Labor Day holiday weekend. The message is clear: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.

During the 2024 Labor Day weekend, which ran from 6:00 pm August 30th through 5:59 am on September 3rd, there were 505 traffic crash fatalities nationwide. Of those fatalities, 34% or 170 involved a drunk driver. Additionally, 77% of the impaired drivers who were killed had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .15 or higher. Among drivers ages 18 to 34 who were killed in crashes during this same period, 40% had a BAC of .08 or higher.

“We want our community members to understand that our number one priority is keeping people safe. If you know you’ll be drinking, we’re asking you to plan ahead and arrange a safe ride home. Don’t put yourself or others at risk by getting behind the wheel while impaired,” said Somerset County Prosecutor John McDonald.

If a driver intends to drink or use other substances during a Labor Day celebration, they should plan ahead for a safe ride home by designating a sober driver or arranging a taxi or rideshare. They should not wait until after they have begun drinking or using substances to figure out how they will get home. Impairment can cloud a person’s judgment, slow reaction time, and put others on the road at risk.

If an individual realizes they are unable to drive safely, they should immediately hand over their keys to a sober driver who can assist them in getting home safely. If a friend has been drinking and is considering driving, be proactive by taking away their keys and help them arrange a sober ride home.

If you spot a suspected impaired driver on the road, contact your local law enforcement. Your phone call could help prevent a crash and save a life.

For more information on impaired driving, visit NHTSA.gov/DrunkDriving or NHTSA.gov/ImpairedDriving

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