CLEARFIELD - District Attorney, William A. Shaw, Jr., announced today that Clearfield County is participating in PennDOT's statewide "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" Initiative.

Shaw reported that a media event was held at the Bald Eagle Fire Company on August 31, 2011, to promote the "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" Initiative in our area and neighboring counties. Shaw also reported that event was held specifically to promote safe and unimpaired driving during the upcoming Labor Day holiday weekend.

Shaw stated that through the "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" initiative, more than 600 municipal police departments and the Pennsylvania State Police will conduct roving patrols and checkpoints targeting motorists under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Shaw specified that the focus for this initiative is border-to-border enforcement, as police are encouraged to cooperate across county and even state borders.

Shaw along with the District Attorney of Cambria County and Deputy Assistant District Attorney of Huntington County addressed the media at the event. Shaw stated that "Drunk driving is a terrible and careless choice that leaves many families dealing with grief and hardship. This weekend, avoid drunk driving by planning how to get home before you start drinking." Shaw further elaborated that "Drinking and driving has the unavoidable consequence of costing people their lives. This is an unnecessary and absolutely avoidable tragedy that we are working very hard to prevent."  Shaw also thanked all the officers who would be working this weekend and praised them for doing the very important job of keeping our streets safe.