With Labor Day fast approaching, safety officials are reminding Kentucky residents to celebrate the end of summer safely by ensuring a sober, law-abiding driver when alcohol is involved in the festivities.

“The safety of Kentucky residents is our highest priority,” said Governor Andy Beshear. “Driving under the influence of alcohol not only endangers yourself, but everyone on the road. Let’s work together to prevent preventable accidents by committing to celebrating responsibly.”

Although police officers are on the lookout for drunk drivers year-round, accidents caused by drunk drivers typically increase over the holidays, so the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s (KYTC) Office of Highway Safety (KOHS) is joining the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and police departments across the country in urging motorists to “drive sober or be pulled over.”

This campaign has begun and runs through Labor Day.

“Driving under the influence of alcohol is never acceptable,” said Transport Minister Jim Gray. “Drivers must be aware that drugs and alcohol not only impair their ability to drive, but also cloud their judgement about whether they should drive. Even if you feel fine, impairment slows your judgement, coordination and reaction times.”

According to KOHS, there were 4,324 accidents in Kentucky last year involving a driver under the influence of alcohol, resulting in 2,085 injuries and 181 deaths. Of the 1,704 motorcycle accidents last year, 793 involved only the driver (single-vehicle accidents). Of these single-vehicle accidents, 41 involved alcohol, resulting in 32 injuries and 7 deaths.

Last year, Labor Day weekend saw 77 traffic accidents involving an impaired driver, resulting in 29 injuries and six deaths.

The KOHS has the following recommendations:

– Before the festivities begin, plan how you will get home safely at the end of the night.

–If you are impaired, use a rideshare company, taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation to get home safely.

–If you see an impaired driver, stop and call police. You can call the toll-free KSP hotline directly at 1-800-222-5555 or call 911. Provide a vehicle description, license plate number, location, and, if possible, direction of travel.

–If you know people who are about to drive or drive while under the influence of alcohol, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to their destination safely.

– Wear your seatbelt! Not only is it required by law, but it is your best defense against an impaired driver. Wearing a seatbelt helps prevent injuries and deaths in the event of an accident.