NHTSA Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Campaign 2025

As the Labor Day weekend approaches, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has officially launched its annual Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign, running from August 15 to September 1, 2025.

This high-visibility NHTSA impaired driving campaign aims to combat impaired driving—a preventable yet deadly epidemic that claims over 12,000 lives annually.

Why This Campaign “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” Matters – Scary Statistics

Every 42 minutes, someone dies in a crash involving an impaired driver.
Nearly one-third of all traffic fatalities in the U.S. involve drivers with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher.
The campaign especially targets men aged 18–34, who statistically are the most likely to drive impaired, and emphasizes the dangers of nighttime driving, when fatal alcohol-related crashes are three times more likely.
The Michigan State Police reported that in 2023 there were 8,817 crashes involving alcohol, resulting in 297 fatalities, and 2,250 crashes involving drugs, which led to 256 fatalities. The 297 alcohol-related deaths represented 27.1% of the total 1,095 traffic fatalities recorded that year.

Expanded Messaging: Not Just Alcohol

This year, NHTSA is reinforcing two additional messages:

Drive High, Get a DUI – Drug-impaired driving (from cannabis and other drugs) can lead to DUI charges.
Ride Sober or Get Pulled Over – Aimed at motorcyclists, reminding them that alcohol and riding don’t mix. In 2023, 41% of motorcyclists killed in single-vehicle crashes were alcohol-impaired 1.

Enforcement & Media Blitz

Law enforcement agencies nationwide are increasing patrols during the campaign period to identify and stop impaired drivers. The campaign is supported by a national media blitz across TV, radio, and digital platforms, including social media.

Labor Day Travel & Safety Tips

As Labor Day signals the close of a record-breaking summer travel season, domestic travel is expected to surge this weekend. But with increased traffic comes increased risk: according to the National Safety Council (NSC), impaired driving is responsible for 36% of all traffic fatalities during Labor Day weekend.

The NHTSA urges drivers to plan ahead:

Plan ahead.
Use options for a safe ride home such as a designated driver, ride-hailing service (i.e. Uber or Lyft) or taxis.
Stop an impaired driver from getting behind the wheel.
Call 911 if you spot an impaired driver.

Spotting an Impaired Driver

NHTSA outlines four key behaviors that may indicate impairment:

Lane Position Problems – Weaving, drifting, or straddling lanes, etc.
Speed & Braking Issues – Varying speeds, erratic acceleration, or braking, etc.
Vigilance Problems – Driving without headlights, wrong-way driving, slow response to traffic signals. etc.
Judgment Errors – Unsafe lane changes, illegal turns, following too closely, etc.

Final Thoughts

Driving under the influence is a choice—and a dangerous one. This Labor Day, make the responsible decision. Whether you’re behind the wheel or on two wheels, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over and Drive High, Get a DUI are more than just slogans—they are lifesaving reminders.

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