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There’s been a ‘huge uptick’ in the number of Nebraskans driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs. In fact the number of Nebraska DUI arrests rose by 20% in 2024.
Reports also show that the average blood alcohol content of Nebraska drivers pulled over on suspicion of driving while intoxicated is .167%. That’s more than twice the state’s legal limit.
But it’s not just alcohol that worries experts. There’s also a surge in drivers who are under the influence of drugs.
Lieutenant Joe Milos, a veteran of the Bellevue Police Department, argues the problem is worsened by the misconception that cannabis use actually improves driving ability. Research has resoundingly debunked this idea and Milos’ firsthand experience affirms the scientific evidence.
He notes that the majority of impaired driving incidents involve cannabis.
Nebraska’s Drug Recognition Experts are playing a key role in combatting this trend. DREs specially trained officers who are certified to identify drivers under the influence of drugs. Candidates have to earn a perfect score on their certification exams to advance into the role.
The state is leaning into the DRE program at a critical moment. Officer Milos states that in his 30 years of experience as a DRE he’s never seen as many drivers under the influence of drugs as he’s seeing today.
In addition to the use of DREs, state law enforcement agencies are also ramping up public education campaigns and enforcement efforts to battle against the epidemic of impaired driving.
But with medical marijuana prescriptions on the rise and recreational Delta 8 products being legalized it can be difficult to detect someone driving under the influence without DREs at the scene. And authorities fear the continued increase in Nebraska DUI incidents could have a major impact on road safety.
