According to the most recent data from the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office, 396 people were killed in alcohol and/or drug-related crashes in Oklahoma last year, accounting for more than 60 percent of traffic crash fatalities in Oklahoma.

Ten people were killed on Oklahoma roads between Christmas and New Year’s Day last year and eight of those deaths occured in accidents that were alcohol and/or drug related.

Law enforcement officers describe those crashes as “100% preventable,” which is why the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and more than 120 local and state law enforcement agencies are continuing to focus on intercepting impaired drivers this weekend before accidents can happen.

“Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” is the theme of the message that impaired driving is potentially “deadly, illegal and selfish behavior,” according to a state highway safety office news release.

“It’s important for drivers to take responsibility,” Director Paul Harris of the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office said. “The holidays are a special time of year for most, and we want our community members to enjoy this season.

“We need a commitment from everyone to drive sober so everyone can have a safe holiday.”

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol participates in this mobilization each year, receiving funding for overtime shifts from the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office.

“Impaired driving is not acceptable behavior,” State OHP Commissioner Tim Tipton said. “Make no mistake, if you are found to be driving under the influence, you will be dealt with according to the fullest extent of the law. There will be a zero tolerance policy for impaired driving this holiday season.”

In Oklahoma, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol content of .08 or higher. It is also illegal to drive under the influence of any substance that can impair your ability to safely operate a motor vehicle, including marijuana and some prescription medications, as well as illegal drugs.

Anyone caught driving impaired and charged with driving under the influence faces jail time, driver’s license suspension, vehicle impoundment and financial penalties in excess of $10,000, factoring in attorney’s fees, lost wages and higher insurance rates, in addition to criminal fines and costs.

Both Kingfisher Police Chief David Catron and Kingfisher County Sheriff Dennis Banther said their agencies would have extra patrols out New Year’s Eve and both urged caution and restraint.

“We will have an extra patrolman out on the night shift and we’re just hoping everyone uses good judgment and picks a designated driver,” Catron said.

“Per our normal routine, we will be providing additional patrol on New Year’s Eve,” Banther said, and echoed Catron’s cautions about choosing a designated driver.

“However, if you just can’t contain yourself and find your way into the back of a patrol car, the local crossbar inn will have a cot and a bland breakfast waiting for you,” he said.

The sheriff also offered another reason to avoid large New Year’s Eve parties this year.

“With all the different illnesses that are popping up here lately, we would encourage people to stay home or attend small gatherings,” Banther said. “If you have any symptoms of an illness, please don’t go out and take the chance of transmitting it to someone else.”

Those who volunteer for the role of designated drivers are encouraged to support each other and take their role seriously.

“It can be a long night, but people are counting on you, not to mention the other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians on the streets,” the state highway safety office said in its news release.

The highway safety office recommends these safe alternatives to drinking and driving:

•Remember, it is never okay to drive under the influence. Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage or a small amount of marijuana, designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation or a ride service to get home safely.

•If you see a driver on the road who you think may be under the influence, call 911.

•Do you have a friend who is about to drink and drive? Take the keys away and plan to get your friend home safely.