December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month for a reason. It sheds light on the dangers of drunk driving during the holiday season. While the holiday season brings many celebrations, and increased alcohol consumption, it also means an increase in drunk driving accidents.
Despite being a known danger, impaired driving remains a deadly issue. Even a single drink impairs visual function, judgment, and motor skills, increasing the risk of crashes. Decades of progress, such as lowering the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit to 0.08 and raising the minimum drinking age to 21, have reduced alcohol-involved crashes. Nevertheless, alcohol still factors into one-third of U.S. traffic fatalities and causes over 13,000 road deaths each year.
What is Nebraska doing to crack down on drunk driving during the holiday season?
The Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) has stepped up efforts to keep drunk drivers off the road. During their "Make It Click" campaign, which ran from November 23 to December 1, the NSP removed 52 impaired drivers from the roads. This focused effort helped keep drivers and passengers safe during the busy Thanksgiving holiday.
Troopers arrested 52 individuals for driving under the influence and issued 44 citations for seat belt and child safety seat violations. In addition, they cited over 1,000 drivers for speeding, including 47 who were clocked at speeds exceeding 100 mph. Other violations included:
- 30 no-seat-belt citations
- 14 improper child restraint violations
- 25 citations for open alcohol containers
- 7 for minors in possession of alcohol
- 69 for driving under suspension
Beyond enforcement, troopers provided critical assistance to 273 motorists, demonstrating their commitment to public safety during challenging winter conditions.
“Thanksgiving kicks off a busy holiday season,” said Colonel Bolduc. “With winter weather already here, our goal is to ensure everyone reaches their destinations safely. Buckle up, drive sober, stay off your phone, and remain alert to changing road conditions.”
The "Make It Click" campaign was funded in part by a grant from the Nebraska Department of Transportation – Highway Safety Office. It demonstrates the NSP's dedication to reducing preventable car accidents. As the holiday season continues, NSP urges motorists to report dangerous drivers by calling the Highway Helpline at *55.
Why is drunk driving so dangerous?
Alcohol impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction time, making safe driving impossible even at low BAC levels. At .08, critical skills such as speed control and danger detection deteriorate significantly. While it's inevitable that alcohol consumption will increase during the holidays, many drivers become too confident in their ability to drive while under the influence.
Keep in mind that a driver doesn't necessarily need a BAC of .08 to be impaired. At a BAC of .02, mild relaxation occurs, but judgment and multitasking begin to decline, which can affect visual tracking and divided attention. Additionally, the alcohol-induced relaxation at this level can put some drivers at risk of becoming drowsy behind the wheel, especially as the days get shorter. At a BAC of .05, small-muscle control diminishes, and coordination weakens. This can impair the ability to respond to emergencies or perform tasks like steering.
What can be done to prevent drunk driving during the holiday season?
The actions drivers, party hosts, and family and friends take can help save lives this holiday season. Here's what can be done to prevent drunk driving during the holidays:
- Plan a designated driver before going out.
- Use ride-sharing services, taxis, or public transportation.
- Walk home if you're within a reasonable distance.
- Rent a hotel or Airbnb.
- Encourage guests to stay over if they’ve been drinking.
- Serve non-alcoholic beverages and offer food at holiday gatherings.
- Spread awareness through education and campaigns.
- Hold friends accountable and stop them from driving drunk.
- Contact law enforcement if you see another driver swerving or driving erratically.
Hurt by a drunk driver? Don't wait to learn about your legal options
As the holiday season unfolds, increased enforcement efforts and public awareness campaigns play a crucial role in preventing tragedies on Nebraska's roads. Yet, despite these proactive measures, drunk driving accidents continue to cause life-altering harm to victims and their families. When a driver chooses to get behind the wheel while impaired, the consequences can be devastating — physically, emotionally, and financially.
If you’ve been hurt in a crash caused by a drunk driver in Nebraska, you shouldn't have to pay because of someone else's negligence. The drunk driving accident lawyers at Ausman Law Firm P.C., L.L.O. in Omaha understand what you’re going through and are prepared to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Our firm has a strong track record of success, including a $600,000 settlement for a client injured in a T-bone accident. We also handle cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay us nothing unless we win your case.
To learn how our attorneys can help with your potential legal case, contact us online or call our Omaha law office today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
"I highly recommend Ausman Law Firm to anyone who needs a personal injury lawyer. Jason is a personable, knowledgeable, and supportive lawyer. My case was a long process, but Jason and his team kept me in the loop every step of the way. They were always willing to explain more about the legal process and answer all my questions. I also never felt rushed when talking to them, which meant a lot to me. I’m so grateful that I found Jason to help me with my case. Thanks again, Ausman Law Firm, for all your help!" - Lindsey S., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐