Beginning Friday, December 13 and continuing throughWednesday, January 1, 2014, the Nebraska State Patrol will take part in a national effort designed to raise awareness of the dangers of impaired driving.

The “You Drink & Drive, You Lose” campaign is designed to remove impaired motorists from roadways and to remind drivers to never get behind the wheel after drinking.

“Safety on our roads is a shared responsibility,” said Colonel David Sankey, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “We hope all motorists will join with us in helping to prevent alcohol related crashes and fatalities by choosing to never drive impaired.”

During the enforcement period the Nebraska State Patrol will conduct special enforcement efforts to include high visibility patrols, DWI checkpoints and other efforts focusing on time periods in which alcohol related activities are considered to be the highest.

Troopers and communication specialists will put in overtime hours throughout the enforcement, thanks in part to a $27,900 grant from the Nebraska Office of Highway Safety (NOHS).

Impaired or reckless drivers may be reported by dialing 911 or the Nebraska State Patrol Highway Helpline by dialing *55 when safe to do so from any cellular phone or 1-800-525-5555 from any landline.

Colonel Sankey said, “If you choose to celebrate, do so in a safe responsible manner, always have a designated driver and never get behind the wheel impaired.”