Law enforcement in Natrona County will boost its presence during the Labor Day weekend -- Friday through Monday -- to get drunk drivers off the road, according to a news release from the Wyoming Department of Transportation on Wednesday.

Local, county and state officers have been working with the national "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign since Aug. 17, and will be especially visible over the Labor Day weekend.

Increased state and national messages about the dangers of driving impaired, coupled with more officers on the road, aim to drastically reduce drunk driving on the streets and highways.

“Drunk driving is not acceptable,” Natrona County Sheriff's Lt. John Becker said.

“It is essential to plan a sober ride home before you ever leave for the party," Becker said. "That’s why during the Labor Day holiday we will make zero exceptions for drunk driving. There are just no excuses.”

Drunk driving remains a serious problem, and the numbers are rising steadily, he said. "It’s not about writing tickets, it’s about getting the word out that drunk driving is illegal, and it kills. Please help us put an end to drunk driving."

WYDOT offers these tips for having a safe holiday:

  • It is never okay to drink and drive.
  • Even if you’ve only had one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation, Safe Ride, a cab or Rideshare to get home safely.
  • Download the Drive Sober Wyoming mobile app. The app includes quick access to texting or calling a friend for a ride, a list of companies that can provide a safe ride home, Wyoming laws and penalties for driving under the influence, and information about the real cost of a DUI.
  • If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact law enforcement immediately by calling 911.
  • If you have a friend who is about to drink and drive, take away the keys and make arrangements to get your friend home safely.

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National Labor Day Holiday Statistics

According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, 10,497 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes in 2016.

On average, 10,000 people were killed each year from 2012 to 2016.

Over the 2016 Labor Day holiday, there were 433 crash fatalities nationwide. Of those, 36 percent involved drivers who were legally drunk -- 0.08 percent or above blood alcohol concentration -- and 25 percent involved drivers who were driving with 0.15 percent or above BAC.

Age is a particularly risky factor.

In 2016, of the drivers ages 18 to 34 in fatal accidents, 47 percent involved drunk drivers.

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