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Less drunk driving arrests amid COVID-19 outbreak

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OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) troopers arrested four impaired drivers during a St. Patrick's Day enforcement effort, marking the fewest arrests during the holiday in at least 15 years.

“While we always hope that nobody drives impaired, this reduction in DUI arrests points to how well the public has responded to health guidance related to COVID-19,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “We’d like to thank restaurants and bars across Nebraska for doing their part during this difficult time.”

NSP has averaged about 16 DUI arrests on St. Patrick's Day throughout the last decade, according to a press release.

Monday's enforcement effort was made possible partly because of a $7,552 grant from the Nebraska Department of Transportation's Highway Safety Office.

“During this time of uncertainty, Nebraskans can be assured that troopers are still working statewide to provide excellent law enforcement service,” said Colonel Bolduc. “While troopers stand ready to help, we strongly encourage Nebraskans to follow guidelines issued by health experts to limit the spread of COVID-19.”

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