‘Tis the Season of Safety: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over

Published on December 11, 2024

ARLINGTON, Va. – The Arlington County Police Department (ACPD) is partnering with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) during the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign to remind motorists to keep the busy holiday season merry and bright by never getting behind the wheel after drinking. ‘Tis the season for holiday parties and gatherings with friends and family. If your holiday festivities include alcohol, you have options to get home safely: designate a sober driver, call a taxi or rideshare or use public transportation.

The annual Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign aims to drastically reduce drunk driving on our nation’s roadways through a two-pronged approach of education and enforcement. From December 11, 2024 – January 1, 2025, motorists nationwide can expect to see increased messaging about the dangers of driving under the influence, coupled with increased saturation patrols to identify and apprehend impaired drivers.

Tragically, December can be a dangerous time for travelers. According to NHTSA, during the 2018-2022 December months, there were 4,759 people killed in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes. In December 2022 alone, 1,062 people died in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes. More parties and festivities celebrating the season can lead to more people making the dangerous decision to get behind the wheel after drinking. That is why ACPD is working with NHTSA to remind drivers of this potentially lifesaving message: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over. Getting home safely is always worth it.

Celebrate the Season Responsibly

The Arlington County Police Department encourages you to follow these tips to keep the holidays safe and joyous:

• Before you have even one drink, plan a way to get home safely. If you wait until you’ve been drinking to make this decision, you might not make the best one.
• The Washington Regional Alcohol Program’s 2024 Holiday SoberRide program is offering free rides home, in partnership with Lyft, from Friday, December 13, 2024, until Wednesday, January 1, 2025, nightly between 10:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m.
• If you see a suspected impaired driver on the roadway, report to your local law enforcement. To report a suspected impaired driver in Arlington County, call the Emergency Communications Center at 703-558-2222 or 9-1-1 in an emergency.
• Have a friend who is about to drink and drive? Take the keys away and make arrangements to get your friend home safely.

For more information about the 2024 Holiday Season Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign, visit the NHTSA website.