2022 HOLIDAY SEASON DRIVE SOBER OR GET PULLED OVER ENFORCEMENT CAMPAIGN 01/06/2023 CONTACT: Sheriff Todd Volk Madison County Sheriff’s Department Arrested 1 Drunk Driver During 2022 Holiday Season Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Campaign Madison, Nebraska — Madison County Sheriff Department partnered with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for the 2022 holiday season Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over drunk-driving enforcement campaign. From December 16, 2022, through January 1, 2023, local law enforcement showed zero tolerance for impaired driving, arresting 1 offenders for the deadly crime. The Madison County Sheriff Department ramped up its usual enforcement efforts. Sheriff Volk said that by removing 1 drunk driver from the roads, many lives were likely saved. “My Deputies worked diligently through tough weather to make sure the citizens were safe”, said Volk. Madison County was able to make 36 stops and arrested 3 subjects. They issued 9 citations and ended up taking drugs off streets, during the process. “We can’t stress this enough: Drunk driving is deadly, illegal behavior, and it puts the driver, his or her passengers, and other road users at terrible risk,” said Sheriff Volk. “The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign helps our law enforcement officers better address this problem head on. If you feel impaired by any substance, do not get behind the wheel of a vehicle,” says Volk. In 2020, 6,412 drivers were arrested for DUI and there were 1,534 alcohol-related crashes. Among all alcohol-related crashes in Nebraska, there were 76 fatalities and an additional 602 injuries in 2020. During the 2019 Christmas (6 p.m. Tuesday, December 24 to 5:59 a.m. Thursday, December 26) and New Year’s Day (6 p.m. Friday, December 28, 2018, to 5:59 a.m. Wednesday, January 2, 2019) holiday periods, there were more drunk-driving-related fatalities (210) than during any other holiday period that year. “We encourage partygoers to always make a plan before they head out to their festivities, so that they may avoid driving drunk at all costs,” said Sheriff Volk. “Remember: It is never okay to drink and drive. Even one drink can be one drink too many. Drinking and driving is a choice; one you should never make.” For more information about the 2022 Holiday Season Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign, visit https://www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov/get-materials/drunk-driving/drive- sober-or-get-pulled-over/holiday-season.