NORFOLK, Va. (NPD) – The Norfolk Police Department is partnering with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the annual “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” holiday campaign.
This nationwide campaign, which aims to keep roadways safe during one of the busiest travel and celebration periods of the year, starts today and runs through January 1, 2026.
The holiday season is a time for family, friends, and festivities – but it is also a time when impaired driving incidents unfortunately increase. Norfolk Police remind drivers: if you choose to drive impaired, you will be pulled over.
According to NHTSA, in 2023 there were 13,524 people killed in traffic crashes involving alcohol-impaired drivers nationwide. More than 1,000 of those fatalities occurred during the December holiday period.
This year Norfolk Police have made 101 alcohol-related driving arrests to date. Within Norfolk’s city limits – which includes interstate totals reported by Virginia State Police – there have been 131 alcohol-related crashes in 2025, resulting in nine fatalities and 109 injuries.
Even small amounts of alcohol can impair judgment, coordination, and reaction time, increasing the risk of serious or fatal crashes.
Safety Reminders from NHTSA:
- Plan ahead: designate a sober driver or arrange a rideshare before celebrations begin.
- Host responsibility: ensure guests have a safe, sober ride home.
- Report impaired drivers: if you see dangerous driving behavior, call 9-1-1.
- Wear your seatbelt: it’s your best defense against impaired drivers.
- Look out for others: never allow friends or loved ones to drive drunk.
Throughout the campaign period, Norfolk officers will conduct increased patrols and uphold a zero-tolerance approach to impaired driving. Ongoing public awareness efforts will remind residents that responsible choices save lives.
The Norfolk Police Department encourages all residents and visitors to celebrate safely and help prevent impaired driving tragedies this season.
For more information on impaired driving prevention, visit NHTSA.gov or WhatsTheDamage.org.