Papillion police share results of Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over initiative

Papillion, Nebraska – The streets of Papillion in Nebraska recently witnessed the enforcement of an essential safety campaign called ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,’ spearheaded by the Papillion Police Department. This campaign was launched with the core intention of accentuating the grave risks affiliated with drunk driving, an issue that continues to pose significant threats on the roads.

Drawing from the recent campaign statistics, the police officers actively issued 78 citations related to various traffic offenses. Among these, 7 were attributed directly to Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), while 3 were due to violations involving open containers. Another noteworthy citation involved a minor in possession, underscoring the broad range of issues the department sought to address through this campaign.

The launch of this campaign was not an arbitrary decision. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provided substantial data which cemented the necessity of such a campaign. Alarming reports from NHTSA highlight that 2021 witnessed the tragic loss of 13,384 lives to drunk-driving accidents. To put this in perspective, every 39 minutes, someone lost their life due to such an accident. Furthermore, an average of over 11,000 people faced fatal consequences annually due to drunk driving from the years 2017 to 2021.

Addressing the community, Deputy Chief Orchard emphasized the core values and commitments of the Papillion Police Department. He stated, “Our unwavering commitment lies in ensuring the safety of our community members. Through campaigns like ‘Drive Sober,’ we aim not just at law enforcement but at a larger goal – to save lives and foster a culture of responsible behavior.”

While the campaign’s active phase might have come to an end, the essence of its message continues. The police department remains steadfast in its efforts to educate the community about the alternate safe transportation avenues available for those under the influence. Suggestions like pre-arranging a sober driver or leveraging taxi and rideshare services are some of the many alternatives that individuals can consider.

In conclusion, the Papillion Police Department is making earnest efforts in the fight against drunk driving. Their message is unequivocal: driving under the influence is not only illegal but can also be fatal. By being vigilant and responsible, every community member can play a role in making our roads safer for all.