Arkansas agencies join federal campaign to stop drunk driving this Fouth of July weekend

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Arkansas drivers are being warned ahead of Independence Day to drive sober or get pulled over.

The Arkansas Highway Safety Office (AHSO) and state law enforcement have partnered with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to participate in the ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’ enforcement campaign.

According to officials, the campaign aims to reduce fatalities by cracking down on impaired driving during the holiday period.

From 2019 to 2023, 2,653 people died in traffic crashes during the July 4 holiday nationwide, with 38 percent of those deaths involving drunk drivers, a spokesperson announced.

In Arkansas, 48 percent of drivers involved in fatal crashes during that time were intoxicated, officials said.

“We want to make it clear that on this Fourth of July holiday, we have a zero-tolerance policy against drinking and driving,” Arkansas Public Safety Secretary Colonel Mike Hagar said.

Drivers are urged by the AHSO to plan ahead, arrange for a sober ride, and call 9-1-1 if they see a suspected impaired driver.

For more information on impaired driving, please visit NHTSA.gov.