'Tree Of Life' Serves As Reminder Of Dangers Of Driving Under The Influence

Law enforcement agencies are using the annual Tree of Life Campaign to remind people not to drink and drive this holiday season.

There will be 92 presents under the Tree of Life at Woodland Hills mall to represent the 92 people killed due to drunk driving in Tulsa County since 2019.

Different law enforcement agencies and other organizations will be at the mall for the official tree lighting ceremony to remind people of what can happen when you drink and drive.

Captain Erik Smoot with the Oklahoma ABLE Commission said getting a DUI isn't the only consequence of drunk driving. Other people could be impacted either by getting hurt or even killed.

"We are hoping when people go out to the mall, they’ll think about it. They can do a pledge there where they can pledge not to drink and drive. But ultimately just remember most people when they lose a life because of an impaired driver, they don’t have presents to open. There’s a family at home. Sometimes people forget that these are families," said Capt. Smoot.

The tree lighting ceremony will start at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 14, inside the mall in front of Macy's.