From press release materials
The Fairhaven Police Department has received a $7,500 grant for the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign during the holidays. The FPD will increase the number of impaired driving patrols through the special grant from the Highway Safety Division of the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security.
More than 200 local police departments and the State Police are participating in the national campaign.
Increased patrols will begin on December 9 and will continue into January.
“Drivers who will be celebrating this holiday season should plan for a sober ride home before the go out,” said Jeff Larson, Director of the Highway Safety Division, in a statement. “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, alcohol was factor in 29% of motor vehicle fatalities last year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Officials offer these tips for motorists:
- Plan for a sober ride home before celebrating this holiday season. Use a ride sharing or taxi services, public transportation, or a designated driver if you will be consuming alcohol and then travelling.
- If someone you know has been drinking, donot let that person get behind the wheel. Take their keys, take them home, or help them arrange for a safe way home.
- Stay in control by wearing your seat beld on every trip. Seat belts keep drivers behind the wheel in a crash.
- Stay off your phone and other electronic devices when driving
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