Lancaster County deputies will be on high alert for impaired drivers this holiday season

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Law enforcement agencies across Nebraska are stepping up right now to stop impaired driving. 

They are participating in the annual Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign. It started on Friday and runs until Dec. 30.

The Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office said it will be increasing the number of deputies in marked patrol cars on various nights. It is concentrating efforts on traffic violations and finding impaired drivers between 8 p.m. and 3 a.m.

“During this time, because of the parties and the gatherings … statistically, accidents go up and DUIs go up,” Chief Deputy Ben Houchin said. “So that’s the reason why we’re here.”  

The sheriff’s office said overtime will be paid for by a mini-grant from the Nebraska Department of Transportation’s Highway Safety Office.

The Lincoln Police Department announced an increased lookout for impaired drivers late in November. Its campaign will run through Jan. 1.

Nearly 30% of all fatal crashes in Nebraska in 2021 were caused by a drunk driver, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Houchin recommends that people plan ahead if they intend to drink.  

“If you’re going to plan on drinking, have a way to go home and have that already figured out before you go out,” he said.  

There are also many options available to prevent the worst from happening.  

Friedman Law Offices, in coordination with zTrip, is offering a free holiday taxi program from Friday through Dec. 31.  It will run from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.  

To receive a free ride home, you must call 402-474-7233.