FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, Dec. 9, 2016

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Melrose Police Implement “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” Campaign During the Holidays

MELROSE — Chief Michael L. Lyle reports that the Melrose Police Department is partaking in the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign to reduce the number of impaired operators on the roads this season.

The campaign is funded by a federal grant administered through the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security’s Highway Safety Division and runs from Dec. 9 through Jan. 1.

Melrose will join more than 200 local police departments across the state, along with the Massachusetts State Police in the national enforcement mobilization.

“We will be increasing the number of officers we have on patrol this season, who will be closely monitoring the roads for impaired drivers,” Chief Lyle said. “If you have been drinking, do not get behind the wheel, even if it’s only to drive down the street. Our goal is to ensure everyone has safe and happy holidays.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly one in three people (29 percent) were killed last year in motor vehicle crashes where alcohol was a factor. Chief Lyle advises motorists to follow several important safety tips:

• 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 the person’s keys, give the person a ride home, or help arrange a safe way for the person to get back.
• Wear your seat belt every time you get in your vehicle. Seat belts keep drivers behind the wheel in a crash.
• Keep off your devices when driving.

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