‘Tis the season to drive sober or get pulled over

DAVENPORT, Iowa (KWQC) - The year-end holidays are here, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has teamed up with local law enforcement agencies for its “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” message.

The awareness campaign, running from Dec. 11 through Jan. 1, brings keen awareness to the fact that alcohol-impaired driving continues to be a factor in fatal traffic crashes in the United States, especially during the holidays.

Iowa State Trooper Luke Hank says this is one of the busiest times of the year for patrol officers.

“Traffic volume is way up during the travel season when people are moving back and forth, here and there for different holiday events,“ Hank said.

The numbers for these alcohol-related incidents continue to grow year after year, reaffirming the need for more awareness of the dangers of such.

”We found at least the national numbers are showing around this time; the alcohol-impaired drivers seem to be up during that time," Hank said. “Between 2018 and 2022, there were about 4800 people that were killed across the nation due to alcohol-related impaired crashes.“

The consequences are beyond severe.

“Impaired driving is an arrest. It goes on your record. You are talking; it is going to stay on your record. You are going to deal with the court system after that,” Hank said. “You are going to pay some big fines; they say the average is about 10,000 dollars you are going to pay in court costs, legal costs to deal with the portion of it. You are also going to lose your license for six months, between six months and a year if you have had one before.“

As New Year’s Eve edges closer, officials are on high alert.

”It is obviously a big enforcement night for us. We are out there looking. Just make sure you plan ahead because law enforcement is out there, especially troopers in general," Hank said. “We will have extra cars out and that is what we are looking for impaired drivers because it is typical with that night. We want to make sure we combat that as best we can.”

If a driver realizes they cannot drive, they should hand their keys to a sober driver who can take them home.

Friends and family should also be proactive; if someone has been consuming alcohol or other drugs and is thinking about driving, take their keys and help them find a sober ride. If you see an impaired driver, contact local law enforcement— as you could save lives.

“If you can use a rideshare, designate a sober driver. If you see a friend or family member who shouldn’t be driving, take their keys and find a different way home for them,“ Hank said.

Overall, safety is top of mind.

”Even one drink can affect someone’s judgment on how to drive. We want people to have a happy holidays, enjoy their time with their families, and get there safe,” Hank said.

According to the National Highway Safety Administration, about 32% of all car crash fatalities in the U.S. involve drunk drivers.

For more information on impaired driving, visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving.