News
“Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over”
12.16.2025
The holiday season is a time for celebration, but it can also be one of the most dangerous times to be on the road. In December 2023 alone, 1,038 people across the U.S. were killed in alcohol-impaired driving crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This time of year should be about creating memories with family and friends, not facing the heartbreak of something that never had to happen.
The holiday season is a time for celebration, but it can also be one of the most dangerous times to be on the road. In December 2023 alone, 1,038 people across the U.S. were killed in alcohol-impaired driving crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This time of year should be about creating memories with family and friends, not facing the heartbreak of something that never had to happen.
The Visalia Police Department wants to remind the public to celebrate responsibly and never get behind the wheel while impaired. From December 12 through New Year’s Day, Visalia PD will have additional officers on patrol looking for drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. This high-visibility enforcement effort is part of the national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign, focused on keeping our community safe.
“We want to make sure everyone gets home safely so that they can celebrate the holiday season with their families and loved ones,” Officer Derek Neece. “Not only is driving impaired illegal, but it is also dangerous and never acceptable. We are asking everyone to do their part to keep themselves and everyone on the roads safe.”
Visalia PD encourages everyone to plan ahead. If you plan to drink, stay in for the night, choose a designated sober driver, use public transportation, or call a taxi or rideshare service. Impaired driving isn’t limited to alcohol. Prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, cannabis products, and other substances can also affect your ability to drive safely. If a medication includes a driving warning, let a sober person drive instead. If you see someone who appears to be driving while impaired, call 9-1-1.
Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
“We want to make sure everyone gets home safely so that they can celebrate the holiday season with their families and loved ones,” Officer Derek Neece. “Not only is driving impaired illegal, but it is also dangerous and never acceptable. We are asking everyone to do their part to keep themselves and everyone on the roads safe.”
Visalia PD encourages everyone to plan ahead. If you plan to drink, stay in for the night, choose a designated sober driver, use public transportation, or call a taxi or rideshare service. Impaired driving isn’t limited to alcohol. Prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, cannabis products, and other substances can also affect your ability to drive safely. If a medication includes a driving warning, let a sober person drive instead. If you see someone who appears to be driving while impaired, call 9-1-1.
Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.