NHTSA, Local Police Team Up for "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" Campaign

Sep 10, 2014

The Labor Day holidays are among the busiest time of year on U.S. roads - but with school back in session, traffic stays high throughout September, and so does the increased number of drunk drivers on the road. To combat this risk to the safety of Nebraska drivers, Omaha police forces have joined up with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to participate in the NHTSA's "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign from mid-August through September.

According to the NHTSA, a driver in the U.S. loses his or her life every 51 minutes due to drunk driving. Nationwide, the economic costs of drunk driving accidents top $47 billion dollars or $152 per person nationwide. When lost productivity and lost lives are added to the total, the cost climbs to $195 billion.

In terms of both dollars and human life, the costs of drunk driving are too high to be ignored. How can you help spare your family and friends the costs of a crash? Try these tips provided by the experienced Omaha car accident attorneys at Cullan & Cullan LLC:

Before you head to a party or other event, plan your sober route home. Will you call a cab, ride with a designated driver, or take public transportation? Consider making a back-up plan in case the first plan falls through.
If you're hosting an event, monitor your guests' alcohol intake. Consider "cutting off" alcoholic beverage service at least one hour before the party is scheduled to end. And don't hesitate to call a cab, ask a sober driver for help, or extend your couch or guest bedroom to a friend or family member who should not get behind the wheel.

Drinking and driving is never worth the risk. Not only is it highly dangerous, but it is also illegal and can result in severe criminal penalties. Drive sober, stay safe and have fun this fall!

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