NORTH READING POLICE RECEIVE GRANT TO GET IMPAIRED DRIVERS OFF THE ROAD
“Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” Campaign Kicks Off Extra Patrols During Holidays
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
North Reading, MA – December 7, 2016 – The North Reading Police will be increasing the number of impaired driving patrols over the holidays through a special grant from the Highway Safety Division (HSD) of the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS). The North Reading Police Department will join more than 200 local police departments across the state and the State Police in the national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement mobilization.
“Beginning December 9th and continuing into the New Year, you will see stepped up police enforcement watching closely for anyone who is driving impaired,” said North Reading Police Chief Michael Murphy. “There is no holiday cheer behind the bars of a jail cell. Don’t let your holiday season end in an arrest or worse, death or injury. Remember, whether you’ve had way too many or just one too many, it’s not worth the risk.”
“The December holiday season is a wonderful time of the year, and we are going to keep our roads safe for travelers heading to visit friends and family. This holiday, we’ll have zero tolerance for those driving under the influence on our roads.” said Chief Murphy.
“Drivers who will be celebrating this holiday season should plan for a sober ride home before they go out,” said Jeff Larason, Director of the Highway Safety Division. “We want all drivers to remember the responsibility they have to drive safely and to avoid getting behind the wheel if they’re impaired. Crashes caused by an impaired driver are preventable.”
Nationally, nearly one in three people (29 percent) were killed last year in motor vehicle crashes in which alcohol was a factor, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
“The message is simple: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over. Drinking alcohol and driving do not mix. If you plan to consume alcohol, you should also plan not to get behind the wheel of a vehicle,” said Chief Murphy.
Tips for motorists:
- Plan for a sober ride home before celebrating this holiday season. Use a ride sharing or taxi service, the MBTA, or a designated driver if you will be consuming alcohol and then traveling.
- If someone you know has been drinking, do not let that person get behind the wheel. Take their keys, take them home, or help them arrange a safe way home.
- Stay in control by wearing your seat belt on every trip. Seat belts keep drivers behind the wheel in a crash.
- Stay off your devices when driving.