Before getting behind the wheel, people should make sure they’re able to operate a motor vehicle in order to avoid potentially deadly accidents that can result from drunk driving. From now until Labor Day, law enforcement agencies across the U.S. will give motorists another reason to avoid driving under the influence. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is zeroing in on drunk drivers through its annual “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign.

More than 10,000 law enforcement agencies across the U.S., including the Pearl River County Sheriff’s Department, are setting up safety checkpoints during the finals weeks of summer to catch intoxicated drivers with a BAC of .08 or higher. The campaign is supported by $13.5 million in national advertising funds from NHTSA, according to a press release from NHTSA.

Drunk driving remains a serious problem, which needs to be addressed. In 2013 alone, alcohol-related fatalities accounted for 31 percent of all motor vehicle fatalities in the U.S., according to the release.

The Item applauds law enforcement agencies for cracking down on drunk driving and dedicating their time to ensure our streets are safer.

Motorists need to understand that drunk driving is not an option. Nowadays, there are so many alternatives people can choose in order to avoid driving under the influence and endangering those around them. Before going to a party, where alcohol will be provided, make sure to assign a designated driver.

The NHTSA offers a SaferRide app, which allows users to call a taxi or a friend through the app, which identifies the location of the user so they can be picked up. The app is available for Android and Apple IOS devices.

Driving a motor vehicle is a serious responsibility so motorists should make sure they’re able to take on the responsibility before getting behind the wheel.