Impaired driving crackdown: 65 drivers arrested by Nebraska State Patrol during holidays

LINCOLN, Neb. — Over the holiday season, Nebraska State Patrol troopers successfully took 65 impaired drivers off the roads, ensuring safer travels for all.

In the last two weeks of 2023, troopers actively participated in the national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign. The campaign, spanning from Dec. 15 to January 1, involved numerous law enforcement agencies nationwide.

Col. John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol, highlighted the challenges faced by troopers during the busy holiday period. "The holidays are always a busy time of year on Nebraska roadways, and with a winter storm right in the middle this year, our troopers were working around the clock to keep roads safe," said Bolduc.

Throughout the campaign, troopers made a total of 65 arrests for driving under the influence. Additionally, they issued citations to 985 drivers for speeding, with 51 of them caught traveling at 100 miles per hour or higher. Other citations included no seat belt (15), improper child restraint (14), open alcohol container (31), minor in possession of alcohol (35), and driving under suspension (111). Troopers also assisted 656 motorists and responded to 123 crashes during the campaign.

The success of the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over initiative was made possible, in part, thanks to grant funding from the Nebraska Department of Transportation - Highway Safety Office.

As the new year kicks off, the Nebraska State Patrol urges all motorists to be prepared for winter driving conditions in the coming months. They recommend checking Nebraska's 511 system for updated road conditions and keeping a winter travel kit in vehicles, which should include water, food, a first aid kit, warm clothes and blankets, a hat and gloves, a cell phone charger, jumper cables, flashlight, and a bag of sand, salt, or ice melt. Stay safe on the roads!