‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’ Returns

Dec. 12-Jan. 1 campaign renews push to save lives during holidays

4:35 p.m. Dec. 5, 2025

DUANE CROSS
MCO Publisher•Editor

As the year-end holidays approach, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration – along with the Metro Moore County Sheriff’s Department and law-enforcement agencies nationwide – is renewing its call to drivers with the latest phase of its “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” enforcement campaign.

Another key message is "If You Feel Different, You Drive Different," emphasizing that driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal and dangerous.

The campaign runs from Dec. 12 through Jan. 1.

According to NHTSA, about one person is killed every 42 minutes in drunk-driving crashes, totaling more than 12,000 lives lost each year.

Why the Campaign Matters

Impaired driving remains a stubborn and deadly problem on U.S. roads. The campaign highlights how even “just one drink” can make driving dangerous – impairing coordination, perception, reaction times, and decision-making.

Beyond just alcohol, the campaign also warns against driving under the influence of any impairing substance, including legal or illegal drugs (such as prescription medications or cannabis). “Drive High, Get a DUI” is now a core part of the campaign’s messaging.

What Drivers Should Expect

During enforcement periods, law enforcement agencies ramp up patrols, sobriety checkpoints, and other measures to identify impaired drivers.

Simple steps highlighted for safer roads include:

• Plan ahead for a sober ride home – whether by designating a sober driver, calling a rideshare or taxi, or using public transit, if you’re celebrating in a big city.
• Do not let friends or guests leave a gathering under the influence, and make sure everyone gets home safely.
• Always wear seat belts – especially important when sharing the road with impaired or unpredictable drivers.

The Numbers Behind the Risk

• Nearly one-third of all traffic crash fatalities in the U.S. involve drunk drivers at or above the legal blood-alcohol limit.
• Even early evening driving hours carry elevated risk — alcohol- and drug-related fatal crashes are significantly more common at night.
• Impaired driving remains a significant concern: recent data show that many deadly crashes involve drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs, especially during holiday or holiday-adjacent periods.

A Simple but Powerful Message

“Driving impaired is 100% preventable,” NHTSA stresses. The campaign isn’t about shaming – it’s about choices and responsibility.

Before you head out when consuming alcohol or any impairing substance, decide now: Will you call a sober ride or risk becoming a tragic statistic?