Saturation patrols out in force this weekend to curb impaired drivers

CONCORD - The New Hampshire Office of Highway Safety announced today that a statewide impaired driving enforcement effort is planned for the long Labor Day weekend.

Beginning today and continuing through Monday dozens of the NHOHS' state, county and local law enforcement partners are scheduled to conduct increased patrols to find and arrest impaired drivers. The effort is in support of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over high-visibility enforcement period, which began Aug. 13 and continues until Monday.

Labor Day is annually one of the busiest travel days of the year in the state, according to the New Hampshire Department of Transportation. Nine people were killed in crashes during the Labor Day holiday periods from 2020 to 2023, according to data from the New Hampshire Department of Safety's Fatal Crash Unit. During the 2022 Labor Day weekend alone, five lives were lost and many more were permanently impacted because of alcohol-related crashes in the state. During the NHOHS' 2024 Labor Day weekend enforcement effort, 40 people were arrested for driving under the influence (DUI), speeding, reckless driving, drugs, warrants and other violations.

"We ask anyone who plans to celebrate the end of summer by drinking alcohol or doing illegal drugs to stay off our roads," said New Hampshire State Police Lt. Chris Storm, who oversees the Office of Highway Safety. "If you need to get home, make a plan to get there safely by using a taxi or rideshare app. Putting your life and others' lives at risk is not worth it."

Driving impaired has significant consequences in New Hampshire. DWI offenses can cost drivers $10,000 or more in fines and fees, the loss of their license or jail time.

Anyone who sees a potentially impaired driver on the road should make note of their vehicle make and model, color, license plate, and location, and report it to 911 immediately.