Bismarck, ND – Law enforcement agencies across North Dakota are ramping up efforts to get drunk drivers off the roads this holiday season. As part of the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Campaign, which is coordinated through the state’s Vision Zero initiative, additional patrols have been deployed in an effort to prevent alcohol-related crashes and save lives.
The campaign, which will run through the end of January, is designed to deter impaired driving during the high-risk winter months. According to Lieutenant Jennifer Olson of the Ward County Sheriff’s Department, there is typically a noticeable spike in DUI arrests and alcohol-related crashes during the holidays, particularly as people gather for celebrations and college students return home.
“During the holidays, we always see an increase in DUIs,” said Olson. “People are out at bars or holiday parties, and many are traveling to and from gatherings. This leads to a rise in impaired driving and, unfortunately, accidents. In North Dakota, we average a fatal crash every ten days, and we want to prevent that as much as possible.”
The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Campaign is part of a broader, year-round strategy to combat impaired driving in the state. In addition to this winter initiative, law enforcement participates in similar campaigns at other times of the year, making it one of three major efforts to target drunk driving.
Statistics show that impaired driving is a significant cause of traffic fatalities, especially during the holiday season when more people are out on the roads. The extra patrols aim to catch intoxicated drivers before they can cause harm, with officers specifically targeting areas known for high rates of DUI offenses. The public is also encouraged to be mindful of their drinking habits, designate a sober driver, or use ridesharing services to avoid getting behind the wheel under the influence.
Lieutenant Olson stressed that the message of the campaign is simple: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over. The goal is not only to arrest those driving under the influence but to raise awareness about the risks of drunk driving and its preventable nature.
“Every crash and every fatality is preventable,” Olson added. “We want to send a clear message that if you choose to drink, please choose a safe way home.”
The heightened enforcement during this time, coupled with public awareness efforts, is an essential part of the state’s Vision Zero goal—to eliminate all traffic fatalities and serious injuries. By focusing on impaired driving, law enforcement hopes to reduce the number of deaths and accidents associated with alcohol consumption.
The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Campaign is just one part of a larger effort by state and local law enforcement to make North Dakota roads safer for everyone. The campaign will continue through the end of January, with law enforcement agencies actively patrolling areas that typically see increased traffic during the winter months.
Residents are urged to take personal responsibility this holiday season and make safe, sober decisions before getting behind the wheel.
