Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over: Labor Day Weekend Safety
As summer draws to a close, the anticipation of Labor Day weekend brings with it a flurry of travel plans and festive gatherings. However, amidst the celebrations, it's essential to prioritize safety on our roads. The "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign emphasizes the dangers of impaired driving, particularly during this busy time when the risk of accidents increases. Additionally, as we approach National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, let's take a moment to recognize the vital role truck drivers play in our daily lives. Join us as we explore tips for safe driving and show appreciation for those who keep our roads and communities thriving.
In this issue:
- Labor Day Driving Tips from America's Road Team.
- National Truck Driver Appreciation Week is September 14-20th, 2025.
- Registration is open online for the 2025 Idealease/NPTC Fall Safety Seminar!
The "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign runs nationwide from August 15 to September 1, 2025. Impaired driving is a serious problem and one of the most deadly crimes we can prevent.
Labor Day weekend, which falls on September 1 this year, is often a time for one last summer trip. According to AAA, domestic travel is up 9% from last year for this long weekend.
More cars on the road increase the risk of crashes, and the festive atmosphere often leads to more drunk driving. To help keep everyone safe, the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is working with law enforcement across the country during the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign to reduce alcohol-impaired driving.
Labor Day Driving Tips from America's Road Team
The first step toward a safe trip begins in the driveway:
- Do a walk around: Check tires, wipers, and fluids. Service your radiator and cooling system.
- Plan ahead: Know your exit name and number on the highway to avoid last-minute lane changes.
- Use maps or GPS: Familiarize yourself with the area to anticipate conditions and avoid getting lost.
- Leave early and avoid risks: Allow extra time to reduce stress; don't drive when tired or upset, and avoid risky maneuvers.
- Be aware of truck blind spots: If you can't see the truck driver in their mirrors, they can't see you.
- Expect the unexpected: Look ahead about a quarter-mile and leave yourself an "out."
- Limit phone use: Use Bluetooth for hands-free calls, keep them short, and pull over for longer conversations.
- Signal your intentions: Use turn signals early so other drivers can react; give trucks space when they signal.
- Do not cut in front of trucks: Trucks take longer to stop, so cutting in front is dangerous.
- Yield appropriately: On entrance ramps, highway traffic has the right of way; merge smoothly.
- Never stop on a highway: Stopping is dangerous; use caution if you must stop for emergencies.
- Watch your fuel: Keep at least a quarter tank to avoid getting stranded in traffic jams.
- Stay alert in work zones: Follow posted signs for slow traffic or closed lanes.
America's Road Team reminds all motorists: From driveway to highway, safety requires patience and dedication.
Is That a Drunk Driver?
Have you ever thought someone might be driving under the influence? The NHTSA has pinpointed four behaviors that could suggest impaired driving:
- Lane Position Problems – Weaving, drifting, straddling lanes, or nearly striking other vehicles.
- Speed and Braking Problems – Jerky stops, abrupt braking, erratic acceleration, or driving unusually slowly.
- Vigilance Problems – Failing to turn on headlights at night, driving the wrong way, or reacting slowly to signals.
- Judgment Problems – Following too closely, unsafe lane changes, crossing medians, or making sudden, illegal turns.
What should you do?
If you notice any of these signs, keep your distance and be ready for unexpected moves. If you see two or more signs, the driver may be impaired. Stay safe and call the police right away.
National Truck Driver Appreciation Week: September 14–20, 2025
Almost every part of daily life relies on truck drivers delivering the goods and resources we need.
National Truck Driver Appreciation Week is a time to thank the 3.5 million truck drivers in America for their hard work. They not only deliver goods safely and on time but also help keep our highways safe.
In recent years, both Americans and Canadians have shown their appreciation in many ways, like children giving out lunches and people holding "I ❤️ Trucks" signs along the roads. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it became clear how vital truck drivers are. Without them, delivering PPE, food, and medical supplies would have made daily life much harder.
This September, take time to recognize your truck drivers. Plan something special to show how much you appreciate the vital role they play in keeping our communities and economy moving.
Registration is now open for the 2025 Idealease/NPTC Fall Safety Seminars!
Idealease and the National Private Truck Council NPTC will again be hosting safety seminars in the spring and fall of 2025. The one-day seminar this year will focus on basic safety and compliance, regulation changes and CSA. The seminars will be provided to all Idealease customers, potential customers and NPTC members at no charge. The seminar provides important information applicable for both the novice and experienced transportation professionals.
Upcoming Fall Seminars:
- 9/16/2025 - Weirton, WV
- 9/30/2025 - Knoxville, TN
- 10/7/2025 - Orlando, FL
- 10/14/2025 - Atlanta, GA
- 10/16/2025 - Nashville, TN
- 10/21/2025 - Los Angeles, CA
- 10/23/2025 - Linthicum, MD
To register for an upcoming fall seminar in 2025, click on the following link:
Safety Seminar Registration
*The Idealease Safety Bulletin is provided for Idealease locations and their customers and is not to be construed as a complete or exhaustive source of compliance or safety information. The Idealease Safety Bulletin is advisory in nature and does not warrant, guarantee, or otherwise certify compliance with laws, regulations, requirements, or guidelines of any local, state, or Federal agency and/or governing body, or industry standards
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