December 23, 2022 9:50 a.m.

During this holiday season, staff with 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 their message is: “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over”. O’Dell said through January 1st drivers will see officers working together to take drunk drivers off the roads. Deputies are specifically working overtime during this enforcement period with the focus of identifying and stopping impaired drivers.

According to NHTSA, 11,654 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2020 that involved an alcohol-impaired driver. On average, more than 10,000 people were killed each year from 2016- to 2020. One person died in a drunk-driving crash every 45 minutes in 2020.

O’Dell said, “Its so important that drivers act responsibly, and that includes refraining from impaired driving”. He said, “This enforcement period allows us to get the message out that drunk driving is illegal and it takes lives. Help us put an end to this senseless behavior”.

O’Dell said it is essential to plan a sober ride home before ever leaving a party. He said there are many options available to get home safely such as planning to use a ride service or calling a taxi or a sober friend. If residents see a drunk driver on the road, they should report it to law enforcement. For friends and family who are about to drive under the influence, take the keys away and make a plan to get them home safely.

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