Labor Day is the traditional end-of-summer celebration, but drinking and driving can quickly destroy the holiday. Brownwood Chief of Police Mike Corley is warning residents to drive sober or face the consequences.

The Brownwood Police Department is partnering with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) on its “Drink. Drive. Go to Jail.” impaired driving campaign, which lasts through Sept. 2. “Drink. Drive. Go to Jail.” educates Texans about the consequences of drinking and driving.

“For the upcoming Labor Day holiday, our hope is that there are no alcohol-related crashes or fatalities,” said Chief Corley. “But we can only make that happen if everyone commits to drive sober.”

TxDOT reports that in 2012, there were 330 alcohol-related traffic crashes in Texas that resulted in 19 fatalities and 126 serious injuries during the Labor Day holiday reporting period.  And, more than half (53.1 percent) of the total traffic fatalities during the 2012 Labor Day period in Texas were caused by drivers under the influence of alcohol. Therefore, this year, officers are once again on high alert for drivers under the influence.

In addition to statewide efforts, the Brownwood Police Department is dedicating special resources to combat those breaking the law during the Labor Day holiday period.