This holiday season, the Laramie Police Department is reminding everyone about the dangers of drunk driving and wants all drivers to remember this message: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, according to a recent release from the agency. Drivers will see officers working together from now through January 1st, to take drunk drivers off our streets.  

According to WYDOT, 46 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2021 that involved an alcohol-impaired driver in Wyoming. On average, more than 40 people were killed in Wyoming each year from 2016 to 2020. Through November of 2022, there have been 9 crash fatalities in Albany County and 4 (44%) are alcohol-related.  

“It’s so important that drivers act responsibly, and that includes refraining from impaired driving. The holidays are a special time, and we want our community to enjoy this season. We need commitment from drivers that they’ll keep the roads free of drunk drivers so that everyone can have a safe holiday. This enforcement period allows us to get the message out that drunk driving is illegal, and it takes lives. Help us put an end to this preventable behavior,” said Lt. Ryan Thompson.

 Remember resources are available to get you home safely. “Drunk driving is not acceptable,” said Lt. Thompson.  “Plan a sober ride home before you ever leave for the party. There are many resources to get you home safely. There are no excuses for drunk driving,” he said.  

The Laramie Police Department recommends these safe alternatives to drinking and driving: 

  • It is never okay to drink and drive. Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or use public transportation or a ride service to get home safely.  
  • Use SafeRide by calling 307-766-7433 (307-766-RIDE) or request your ride through the "Transloc" App on your mobile device through your App Store. 
  • If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact law enforcement immediately.
  • Do you have a friend who is about to drink and drive? Take the keys away and make arrangements to get your friend home safely.

For more information about the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement period, visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving. 

Stay safe this holiday season! and... EVERY DAY.

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