Nearly one-third of all traffic crash fatalities in the United States involve drunk drivers, and men ages 18 to 34 are the most likely to be impaired behind the wheel.

To combat this deadly trend, the Faulkner County Sheriff’s Office will ramp up enforcement beginning Sept. 1 as part of the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign.

The initiative, backed by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, aims to reduce impaired driving through increased patrols, public awareness and zero-tolerance enforcement.

“Many agencies around the country partner with them for the same purpose — to keep citizens safe and warn about the dangers of drinking and driving,” said Sherry Skaggs, public information officer for the Faulkner County Sheriff’s Office.

Local departments, including Mayflower Police, Conway Police and the Arkansas Highway Safety Office are also participating in the campaign, which runs through Labor Day weekend. Law enforcement officials urge residents to plan by designating a sober driver, using rideshare services or staying put if they’ve been drinking.

Skaggs added the Faulkner County Sheriff’s Office is part of a broader coalition working to keep roads safe during the holiday.

“Agencies partnering post similar press releases to those you have seen on the FCSO website and social media pages,” Skaggs said. “You will note that the Mayflower Police Department, Conway Police Department, Arkansas Highway Safety Office and more have published similar press releases.”

Driving under the influence isn’t just illegal — it’s a decision that can cost lives.

According to NHTSA data, Labor Day weekend consistently sees a spike in impaired driving incidents, making it one of the most dangerous times on U.S. roadways. 

The increased enforcement period is designed to deter risky behavior through visibility and accountability.

Deputies with the Faulkner County Sheriff’s Office will be conducting saturation patrols and sobriety checkpoints throughout the holiday weekend. 

Drivers found to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs will face immediate arrest and prosecution. Officials emphasize that impaired driving is preventable. 

The campaign encourages individuals to take responsibility before getting behind the wheel, reminding the public that even a small amount of alcohol can impair judgment and reaction time.

The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign will continue through Sept. 4, with law enforcement agencies across Arkansas and the nation working together to reduce fatalities and promote safe driving habits.

With thousands of college students returning to campus in Conway, law enforcement officials are urging young adults to take extra precautions during the Labor Day weekend.