Troopers on patrol for impaired drivers during holiday season

'Tis the season to help everyone reach their destinations safely. Over the final few weeks of 2024, troopers will be on patrol across Nebraska working to keep holiday travel safe.

"The holidays come with all sorts of celebrations, many involving alcohol," said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. "It's critical to always drive sober, for your own safety and the safety of everyone else on the road."

The Nebraska State Patrol is teaming up with police agencies across the country in the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign. The effort runs from December 11 through January 1.

In 2024, Troopers have made 1,339 arrests for driving under the influence. That represents a 14 percent increase over the number of DUI arrests in 2023.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that more than 4,700 lives were lost in drunk-driving crashes in the month of December from 2018-2022. During that same period, Nebraska troopers averaged 91 impaired driving arrests in the month of December.

"This year, let's work together on Nebraska roads to make sure this holiday season is remembered for time with family and friends, and not for a tragedy on the road," said Colonel Bolduc. "If any of your gatherings involve alcohol, plan ahead to have a sober driver."

The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over initiative is made possible thanks in part to a grant for $42,886 from the Nebraska Department of Transportation – Highway Safety Office.