Law enforcement to increase impaired-driving patrols through New Year’s Day
FOX23 News at 9 p.m.
DEXTER, Mo., (KBSI) – From Dec. 10, 2025, through Jan. 1, 2026, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and local law enforcement agencies will increase impaired-driving enforcement as part of the nationwide winter holiday high-visibility campaign, “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.”
Officials note that alcohol-impaired driving traditionally increases during the winter holiday period. Between December 2019 and December 2023, 4,931 people were killed in crashes involving an impaired driver. In December 2023 alone, 1,038 people died in alcohol-related crashes, including 697 fatalities involving a driver with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.15 or higher—nearly twice the legal limit in most states.
“Not only is driving impaired illegal, it is dangerous and never acceptable,” Capt. Moore said. “Our officers will be out in full force to stop impaired drivers and keep our community safe. We ask everyone to follow the law and do their part to protect themselves and others during the winter holiday season. Drunk-driving fatalities are preventable when people make safety a priority.”
Authorities urge drivers to plan ahead before drinking. Waiting until after drinking to decide how to get home can be dangerous because impairment affects judgment. Officials recommend designating a sober driver, calling a taxi or rideshare service, or giving car keys to a sober person if you are unable to drive.
Friends should also intervene when someone who has been drinking attempts to drive by taking away their keys and helping them find a safe ride home. Anyone who observes a suspected impaired driver is encouraged to contact local law enforcement.
More information on impaired driving is available at: Drunk Driving | Statistics and Resources | NHTSA.
