Law enforcement throughout North Dakota will commence extra patrols Friday, targeting impaired drivers during the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement period, according to the North Dakota Department of Transportation.

The enforcement period will run from Dec. 12-Jan. 31. According to the DOT, one alcohol-related crash occurred every 14 hours in 2024, despite the numbers showing a steady decline from 2020-2024.

“Every time someone chooses to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they put lives at risk,” Minot Police Department Capt. Justin Sundheim said. “Our goal isn’t just to make arrests. It’s to prevent the next crash from happening. This holiday season, plan ahead and choose a sober ride.”