December 10, 2020, (Lincoln, Neb.) – Over 1,000 people are killed or injured every year in Nebraska because of alcohol-related crashes. This is not an accident! The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) Highway Safety Office, along with the Sarpy County Sheriff’s Office, Nebraska State Patrol and numerous law enforcement agencies across the state, are banding together for the “National Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Crackdown.” From December 18, 2020 through January 1, 2021, law enforcement across the state will show zero tolerance for drunk/impaired driving.
The Sarpy County Sheriff’s Office is hosting the statewide kick-off event press conference on Monday, December 14, 2020 at 10:00 AM. The press event location is at the Sarpy County Sheriff’s Office Community Room, 8335 Platteview Road, in Papillion.
Representatives from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) – Nebraska and a local victim of drunk driving will be speaking about the lasting effects of impaired driving for victims. Additionally, officials from various law enforcement agencies will speak about zero-tolerance enforcement during the crackdown. Bill Kovarik, NDOT Highway Safety Administrator, will discuss the number of people impacted each year by impaired driving.
During December 2018 in the United States, 839 people lost their lives in traffic crashes involving a drunk driver. During the Christmas and New Year holiday periods in 2018 alone, there were more drunk-driving- related fatalities (285) than during any other holiday period that year. These fatalities are preventable, and drivers must remember that driving impaired by any substance – alcohol or other drugs – is selfish, illegal and potentially deadly!
The press event is open for the media, but please RSVP. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a limited number of people will be permitted into the Community Room. Additional information will be available at the event or by email after the event.
