BPD targeting drunk drivers through Labor Day weekend

August 18, 2023

The Bradenton Police Department will participate in the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over impaired driving awareness campaign from August 18 through September 4, 2023. 

This high-visibility enforcement campaign during the Labor Day holiday period, including the end of summertime and the busy holiday weekend, is a coordinated effort of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and law enforcement agencies across the county, who work together to take drunk drivers off the roads.  

According to NHTSA, 13,384 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes in 2021. That’s one person every 39 minutes. On average, more than 11,000 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes each year from 2017 to 2021. 

Labor Day Statistics 

• During the 2021 Labor Day holiday period, there were 531 crash fatalities nationwide. 41% involved a drunk driver, and more than a quarter involved drivers with a BAC almost twice the legal limit. 

• Among drivers ages 18 to 34 who were killed in crashes over the 2021 Labor Day holiday period, 46% were drunk, with BACs of .08 or higher.  

• Historically, the summer months are more dangerous on the roads. In August 2021, drunk driving accounted for 31% of traffic crash fatalities.  

 2022 Bradenton Police Department Overall Traffic Statistics: 

• 58 DUIs 

• 1,942 Traffic Crash Investigations 

• 760 Criminal Traffic Citations 

• 3,223 Uniform Traffic Citations 

• 2,551 Written Warnings  

The Cost of Drunk Driving 

• The average DUI costs $10,000 in attorney’s fees, fines, court costs, lost time at work, higher insurance rates, and more. 

• In 2019, impaired-driving crashes cost the United States $58 billion. 

• If caught drinking and driving, you can face jail time. That arrest will follow you for many years to come.   

• Drinking and driving can cause you to lose your driver’s license and vehicle. This could prevent you from getting to work, resulting in lost wages and, potentially, job loss.  

If you’re celebrating the end of summer or the Labor Day holiday, please designate a driver or use a rideshare or taxi service. If you see a drunk driver on the road, call 911 or contact BPD at 941-932-9300.