Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over This Winter Holiday

Bald Knob, Arkansas — From December 10, 2025, through January 1, 2026, the Bald Knob Police Department will join law enforcement agencies nationwide in increased patrols and enforcement as part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) winter holiday campaign, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over. The goal of the high-visibility enforcement effort is simple: protect lives by removing impaired drivers from the road.

The winter holiday season is historically one of the most dangerous times of year for alcohol-impaired driving. Nationwide data shows that during the combined December months from 2019 through 2023, 4,931 people were killed in traffic crashes involving an alcohol-impaired driver. In December 2023 alone, 1,038 lives were lost, including 697 crashes involving drivers with a blood alcohol concentration of .15 g/dL or higher — nearly twice the legal limit in most states.

The danger is especially pronounced at night. In December 2023, 30 percent of drivers involved in fatal crashes between 6:00 p.m. and 5:59 a.m. were impaired, and nearly 47 percent of drivers involved in fatal crashes between midnight and 2:59 a.m. were drunk. Statistics also show that male drivers were impaired at a higher rate than female drivers, and drivers ages 21 to 34 accounted for the highest percentage of alcohol-impaired drivers involved in fatal crashes.

“Not only is driving impaired illegal, it is dangerous and never acceptable,” said Lieutenant JR Tackett of the Bald Knob Police Department. “Our officers will be out in full force during the holiday season to identify and stop impaired drivers. We want everyone in our community to arrive at their destinations safely and enjoy the holidays without tragedy. Drunk driving fatalities are preventable when people make responsible choices.”

Drivers are strongly encouraged to plan ahead if they intend to consume alcohol. Waiting until after drinking to decide how to get home can lead to poor judgment. Designating a sober driver, using a rideshare service, or calling a taxi before drinking begins can save lives.

If someone has been drinking and cannot drive, they should hand their keys to a sober individual who can ensure they get home safely. Friends and family are also urged to step in if they see someone who has been drinking and is considering driving. Taking action in the moment can prevent a life-altering crash.

Anyone who observes a suspected impaired driver is encouraged to contact local law enforcement immediately.

The Bald Knob Police Department reminds everyone that cell phone use, alcohol, or any form of impairment behind the wheel puts lives at risk. This holiday season, make safety the priority.

For more information on impaired driving and holiday safety, visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving