Cambridge Police: 'Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over'

Cambridge Police are taking part in the "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign in an effort to reduce the number or drunk drivers.

While the goal is always to eliminate drunk driving, this specific campaign runs from Dec. 9 through Jan. 1 and is funded by a federal grant administered through the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security’s Highway Safety Division.

More than 200 local police departments across Massachusetts and the State Police are also taking part.

“Beginning December 9 and continuing into the New Year, you will see stepped up enforcement watching closely for anyone who is driving impaired,” said Deputy Superintendent Jack Albert, Night Patrol and Traffic Enforcement. “We are taking a zero tolerance approach to impaired driving this holiday season to keep our roads safe for all motorists.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, alcohol was a factor in nearly one in three fatal crashes.

“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.”

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 travelling.
· 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.

Image via Shutterstock

Story by Mike Carraggi, Patch staff