December 9, 2022 3:50 a.m.

This holiday season, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is partnering with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to share the message about the dangers of drunk driving.

Lieutenant Brad O’Dell said DCSO and NHTSA want all drivers to remember a lifesaving message: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over. O’Dell said drivers will see officers working together December 15th through January 1st to take drunk drivers off the road. Deputies will specifically work overtime during the enforcement period on this focus.

According to the NHTSA, 11,654 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes that involved an alcohol-impaired driver in 2020. On average over 10,000 people died each year between 2016 and 2020, with one person being killed due to a drunk-driving crash on average every 45 minutes in 2020.

O’Dell said, “It’s so important that drivers act responsibly, and that includes refraining from impaired driving”. O’Dell said the holidays are a special time of year and DCSO staff wants community members to enjoy the holiday season. He said that is why they need a commitment from drivers that they will keep the road free of drunk drivers, so that everyone can have a safe holiday.

O’Dell said “Drunk driving is not acceptable behavior”. He said it is essential to plan a sober ride home before ever leaving a party.

DCSO recommends these safe alternatives to drinking and driving:

*Designate a sober driver or plan to use a ride service, taxi, or sober friend to get home safely

*Suspected drunk drivers seen on the road should be reported to law enforcement

*Take the keys away from friends and family who are about to drive under the influence, and make a plan to get them home safely.

For more information about the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement period, go to: https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving

Funding for the enforcement is made possible through DUII enforcement grant dollars.