The Oklahoma Highway Patrol reminds all citizens that, with the upcoming Labor Day weekend, Oklahomans and out-of-state visitors are sure to be on the roads headed to our beautiful lakes, rivers, and other locations to enjoy the holiday. With this in mind, the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office and the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety want to remind drivers to always drive sober and drive safe.

According to an OHP press release, in 2020, six people were killed during the Labor Day holiday period. There were a total of 502 crashes, with 53 of those being alcohol and/ or drug related. Six people were also killed during the 2019 holiday weekend. They want to see these numbers decrease for 2021.

“There is no excuse for driving impaired or distracted, these crashes are completely avoidable,” said Cody McDonell, communications manager for the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office. “We want to remind everyone to never drive after they’ve been drinking or using any type of impairing drugs such as prescription medication, marijuana, and illicit drugs.”

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol, along with law enforcement from around the state, will be hitting the roads this weekend looking for impaired drivers. Seminole County Sheriff Shannon Smith agrees, assuring Seminole County residents the Sheriff’s Department will be out in full force during the extended Labor Day weekend. Those planning to attend

Those planning to attend the Rocklahoma concert should be aware that, to support the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol will partner with the Pryor and Chouteau police departments, Mayes County Sheriff’s Office, and the Grand River Dam Authority to patrol the Pryor area before, during, and after the event.

The OHP stresses that all Oklahomans and visitors have to work together to make sure their friends and family members will be here to celebrate the rest of this year’s holidays by encouraging them to always drive sober. Not only could you hurt or kill yourself, you could potentially injure innocent other people by choosing to drive impaired. It’s dangerous, and it’s illegal.

If you think getting a cab or a rideshare service is too expensive, consider this: In Oklahoma, a DUI conviction costs the offender an average near $10,000. A DUI conviction on your record could lead to a lifetime of issues including possible lost employment opportunities.

Still think that $10 ride is too expensive?