Law agencies launch Labor Day enforcement

Yuma police and other law enforcement agencies will be out in force this Labor Day weekend, keeping a close eye on the roads and enforcing the law to keep motorists safe.

While the three-day holiday weekend is a time to celebrate with friends and family, unfortunately, due to the large number of impaired drivers, it has also become very dangerous.

Through Monday, area law enforcement agencies will be participating in the nationwide crackdown called Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over. The campaign is an effort to get impaired drivers off the road, raise public awareness about the dangers of impaired driving and, most importantly, to save more lives.

According to Yuma police, impaired driving is one of America's most often committed and deadliest crimes. In addition, the 2010 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration statistics show more than 10,000 people died in alcohol-impaired driving crashes — one every 51 minutes.

All participating agencies will have additional officers on patrol targeting impaired drivers. Those agencies recommend the following easy steps for a safe Labor Day weekend:

• Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin.

• Before drinking, designate a sober driver and leave your car keys at home.

• If you are impaired, use a taxi or call a sober friend or family member.

• If you happen to see an impaired driver on the road, don't hesitate to call 911.

• And remember, if you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.

James Gilbert can be reached at jgilbert@yumasun.com or 539-6854. Find him on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/YSJamesGilbert or on Twitter @YSJamesGilbert.