State police in St. Lawrence County are participating in a national impaired-driving crackdown called “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” Dec. 18 through New Years Day.

As part of what police are calling "the national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement campaign," officers will be increasing the number of patrols, setting up roadblocks, and using local media to reach out to all drivers.

In 2013, 10,076 people were killed in crashes involving a drunk driver, police said. In December 2013 alone there were 733 people killed in crashes involving at least one driver or motorcycle operator with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 percent or higher. Twenty-three of those deaths occurred on Christmas Day. 

“It’s time for all drivers to get the message,” said Major Charles E. Guess, Troop Commander of Troop “B”. “Drunk driving is a choice you make, and when you make that choice, people can get hurt or die.” NYSP is joining with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to share the message: “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.”

The safest way to get home, Major Guess said, is to drive sober or catch a ride with a sober designated driver. If one plans on drinking at the holiday party or at a restaurant, he suggests they hand the keys over to a sober friend, or take a taxi or public transportation.

People can use NHTSA’s SaferRide mobile app, which allows users to call a taxi or a friend by identifying their location so they can be picked up. The app is available at http://ow.ly/RWs3S for Android and http://ow.ly/RWs8h for iPhone users.

“We’ve got to work together to make our roads safer this December and year-round,” Guess said. “Please enjoy the holiday season safely and responsibly.”