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The Nebraska State Patrol has long dealt with a large number of drunk driving incidents, leading to many accidents and fatalities on the road. They have recently acknowledged that there has been a larger amount of these incidents and fatalities, as well as a higher number of arrests for drunk driving overall. However, recently the state received a federal grant that was used by Nebraska troopers to establish a three week program dedicated to ending this cycle. The three week program was known as the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign.

By late August, Nebraska troopers had already arrested 821 impaired drivers.

The amount of drunk driver arrests has increased by around 23% compared to last year. These high numbers are extremely concerning to many residents of the state who have not been impacted by a drunk driving accident and feel all too close to home for those who have been. One mother who lost her daughter to an incident with a drunk driver has been outspoken about her experience with this loss and was speaking in aid to the campaign.

This mother is Jessica Van Essen, mother of 20 year-old Kaitlyn Van Essen. Kaitlyn was killed when she was struck by an SUV being driving by a driver under the influence. This accident happened in 2021 and now with her grief, Jessica is able to speak about the dangers of drunk driving.

Both Jessica and the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign promote things like rideshare apps as alternatives to getting behind the wheel while intoxicated.

When speaking with local news outlets, Jessica said “We have Uber. We have Lyft. You can call friends. There’s so many options out there now that there’s no reason to get behind the wheel when you’ve had even one drink.” The spokesperson for the state patrol has said similar statements in order to push sober and safe driving. During the 3 week period of the campaign, troopers arrested 112 people for driving under the influence and issued almost 2,000 citations for various other driving and traffic incidents. They are hopeful that the campaign encouraged more people to use the alternative travel methods and that in time they can reduce the number of drunk driving incidents.