GRANT COUNTY, WA – Summer brings more time on the road and opportunities to enjoy the season. Grant County Health District, alongside local law enforcement, is reminding everyone to plan ahead and make safe choices behind the wheel to prevent impaired driving.

Since August 13th, law enforcement across Grant County has been increasing patrols on the roads as part of the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over high-visibility enforcement campaign, continuing through Labor Day, September 1st. Officers are especially active at night to keep impaired drivers off the roads and reduce the risk of crashes.

Drinking and driving can have serious, long-term consequences. In 2023, 12,429 people lost their lives in alcohol-related crashes, about one person every 42 minutes. Impaired driving can change lives in an instant.

Keep yourself and your community safe by planning a sober ride home. If you plan to consume alcohol, arrange ahead of time for a designated driver, taxi, or rideshare. If a friend is about to drive impaired, take their keys and help them get home safely. Every safe ride helps prevent crashes and protect lives.

Ensure the safety of yourself and others:

• If it’s your turn to be the designated driver, take your role seriously and don’t drink.

• Don’t let someone get behind the wheel if they have been using alcohol, cannabis, or other drugs.

• Always wear your seatbelt. It is your best defense against impaired drivers.

• Provide a safe environment for youth to thrive substance-free.

• If you see an impaired driver, call 911.

Ride off into the sunset, sober, Grant County. Getting home safely is always worth it.

Grant County Health District is the proud lead agency for Target Zero Region 15, which includes Grant, Adams, Lincoln, and Ferry counties—Target Zero striving to end traffic deaths and serious injuries on Washington’s roadways. For more information, visit www.targetzero.com.  

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