The Lincoln Police Department will be focusing on impaired drivers during a specialized traffic enforcement effort that began Friday and continues through September 4. It’s part of the nationwide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign that coincides with the Labor Day weekend.
Holiday weekends represent some of the deadliest times of year on America’s roadways due to impaired driving. LPD will assign additional officers to conduct high visibility traffic enforcement to help deter impaired driving. Officers will take a zero-tolerance approach to drivers under the influence of alcoholic beverages and drugs while also watching for other traffic and safety violations.
In 2022 LPD investigated more than 6,900 traffic crashes. More than 1,580 of those crashes resulted in injury and 22 resulted in death. Six people in one car were killed when their car crashed into a tree near 56th and Randolph last October.
Officers also arrested 1,109 drivers for driving under the influence. “Driving after drinking is a choice. Do not consume any amount of alcohol if you intend to drive,” says Sergeant Chris Vollmer. “If you have been drinking, find alternate transportation such as a designated driver, taxi, or ride-share service.”
Vollmer says if you have a friend who is about to drink and drive take the keys away and make other arrangements to get your friend home safe. Increased enforcement for the project is funded by the Nebraska Department of Transportation Highway Safety Office.