MONTGOMERY— Gov. Robert Bentley has awarded nine grants, totaling $250,000, to help law enforcement officers make Alabama roadways safer before and during the Labor Day holiday.

The funds will cover overtime pay for police officers and sheriff’s deputies Aug. 17 – Sept. 3 for the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign. Officers will emphasize enforcement of DUI laws by conducting safety checkpoints and increasing the number of patrols on Alabama roads.

“Drivers should never consume alcohol and then get behind the wheel of a vehicle,” Bentley said. “Through this safety campaign, our law enforcement officers will work hard to prevent injuries and fatalities by getting drunken drivers off the road.”

Bentley urged motorists to obey traffic safety laws throughout the year, not just during special enforcement campaigns.