State police just put out this press release. In short, they say that if you drive drunk during the next few weeks, there’s a greater chance you’ll be busted.
Massachusetts State Police Announce Start of
“Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest” Mobilization
As part of its continued efforts to keep Massachusetts roadways safe, the Massachusetts State Police today are beginning a “Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest.” Mobilization. The statewide campaign, which will include additional traffic patrols and efforts to raise public awareness, will run through Sept. 7.
Enforcement of drunk driving laws is a priority of the Massachusetts State Police. The number of annual drunk driving arrests made by the agency has increased over each of the last four years. In Massachusetts, the offense of operating under the influence carries a penalty of imprisonment of up to 2 ½ years, a fine of up to $5,000, or both.
“Our Troopers are always on the lookout for drivers who show signs of intoxication, and during this mobilization we will fund more than 330 additional patrols above and beyond our usual road presence,” Colonel Mark F. Delaney, superintendent of the State Police, said. “As we approach the Labor Day holiday, we urge our citizens who continue to enjoy beach trips, cookouts, and vacation travel to do so responsibly by ensuring that they are stone cold sober whenever they get behind the wheel.”
During the mobilization, State Police will deploy 232 additional saturation patrols. As well, seven sobriety checkpoints held during the mobilization will preceded by an additional 105 patrols.
In 2008, State Police made 5,105 OUI arrests, up from 4,875 in 2007. In 2006, troopers arrested 3,821 drunk drivers, up from 2,869 in 2005. The increased arrest totals have corresponded with a lower amount of crashes involving drunk drivers. To date this year, State Police have made 3,003 drunk driving arrests. Also to date this year, State Police have responded to 369 crashes caused by drunk driving.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration more than 160 people died in substance-related vehicle crashes in Massachusetts in 2008. This statewide effort, made possible by $779,000 in federal grant funding provided through the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, aims to reduce that number.
During this mobilization, the Massachusetts State Police are joining 240 local police departments to crack down on drunk drivers across the Commonwealth.
