Law enforcement across the state will have extra patrols to enforce the law on underage drinking, as well as conduct compliance checks and shoulder taps as a part of the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement campaign from Oct. 15 to Nov. 15, according to North Dakota Department of Transportation information.

The enforcement effort is to remind those under 21 that drinking alcohol underage is illegal. Law enforcement will educate young drivers that no matter their age, driving under the influence of alcohol is not only illegal but also dangerous. If underage persons are found to be consuming or in possession of alcohol, those individuals could face fines and end up in court.

Preliminary data in 2019 indicates 40 percent of crash fatalities in North Dakota are alcohol-related.

“Fall events present many opportunities where students may consider consuming alcohol. The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement campaign is a great reminder to young drivers that drinking and driving is dangerous and illegal,” said Minot Police Chief Jason Olson.

Alcohol and drug-related crashes are 100 percent preventable. Many lives would be saved in North Dakota each year if every driver consistently makes the choice to always drive sober, designate a sober driver, or use a ride-hailing service, according to NDDOT.

The campaign is part of the Vision Zero strategy to eliminate motor vehicle crash fatalities and serious injuries on North Dakota roads.