Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – As the holiday season shifts into full gear, state and local law enforcement will be increasing their patrols to keep impaired drivers off the road.
The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign will run Dec. 12 through Jan. 1, 2026. It is a collaborative effort between the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Arkansas Highway Safety Office and Arkansas law enforcement agencies.
The Jonesboro Police Department posted on Facebook that it would be participating in the campaign.
“Drivers will see more law enforcement on the road during this time as part of the #DriveSoberOrGetPulledOver high visibility enforcement campaign,” JPD’s post said. “Don’t let a DWI ruin your holiday spirit. A sober ride is the only way to roll during the holidays.”
According to an Arkansas State Police (ASP) news release, between 2019 and 2023, 4,931 people were killed in December crashes involving an impaired driver. It added that just in December 2023, 1,038 people died in alcohol-related crashes, and that nearly 700 of these involved drivers with blood alcohol levels almost twice the legal limit.
“Driving impaired is illegal, endangers everyone on the road, and is never acceptable,” Arkansas Public Safety Secretary Col. Mike Hagar said in the release. “Our Troopers, local police and sheriff’s deputies will be out in full force this holiday season to identify and remove impaired drivers from our roads. We’re asking everyone to make smart choices, plan ahead, and help ensure that every celebration ends safely. Drunk driving is 100% preventable.”
To celebrate and drive safely this holiday season, ASP said to designate a sober driver, use a taxi or rideshare service, or call a friend for a ride. If someone you know has been drinking, ASP said, assist in finding them a safe way home.
Anyone who spots a suspected drunk driver should contact local law enforcement immediately.
For more information about impaired driving, click here or call the Arkansas Highway Safety Office at (501) 618-8136.
