Danvers Police Crack Down on Drunk Drivers During Holidays

Danvers police, along with nearly 200 other police departments across the state, are cracking down on drunk driving now through the end of the year.

The annual Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over mobilization puts extra patrols of officers on the streets from Dec. 13 through Jan. 1 with the mission of arresting anyone caught driving drunk.

Danvers police say they're giving fair warning to all partygoers.

“You’ll see us making lots of stops during this highly visible enforcement period and if we suspect anyone is driving while intoxicated, officers will show zero tolerance for impaired driving,” said Chief Neil Ouellette in a statement.

“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,” he said.

Police say data shows there are more impaired drivers on the roads during the holidays and that can be deadly. In 2011, 114 people were killed in Massachusetts in crashes involving drivers with a blood alcohol content level of .08 or higher.

The nationwide focused effort during holiday seasons is funded by a federal grant from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security’s Highway Safety Division.

“There is no holiday cheer behind the bars of a jail cell,” Ouellette said. “Don’t let your 2013 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.”

Ouellette says officers will show “zero tolerance” over the next few weeks. “If you choose to drive drunk, we will see you, we will stop you, and you will be arrested.” 

EOPSS-HSD recommends the following safety tips:

• Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin.
• Before drinking, designate a sober driver and leave your car keys at home.
• If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation.
• If you happen to see an impaired driver on the road, don’t hesitate to contact law enforcement.
• And remember, Drive Sober Or Get Pulled Over. If you know someone who is about to drive while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get home safely.