Arlington Police Actively Search For Drunk Drivers

ARLINGTON, MA - As everyone prepares to continue their holiday celebrations this weekend, Police Chief Frederick Ryan and the Arlington Police Department are urging residents to refrain from drinking and driving.

Due to an increase in drunk-driving related fatalities during the holiday season every year, Arlington Police began actively searching for and arresting drunk drivers as part of the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” enforcement campaign in mid-December.

If you are drinking and driving, Arlington Police will stop you, according to police officials.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in December 2013, 733 people were killed in crashes involving at least one driver or motorcycle operator with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher. Twenty-three of those deaths occurred on Christmas Day.

“Drinking and driving is absolutely never the right decision. Please -- if you plan on enjoying a drink to celebrate the holidays, plan accordingly. Arrange for a sober driver to bring you home, take public transportation or call a cab.” Chief Ryan said in a statement. “We want all of our residents to safely enjoy their holiday. If you have had too much to drink, do not get behind the wheel. The Arlington Police have zero tolerance for drunk driving and will be actively looking for those who choose to drive drunk.”

As part of this campaign, police will be increasing patrols. Those who are caught drinking and driving could face jail time, fines, loss of driver’s license, towing fees, and other expenses which, on average, total approximately $10,000.

Chief Ryan encourages residents to follow these tips to keep their holiday safe:

• Even one drink can impair your judgement and increase the risk of getting arrested for driving drunk or having a crash.
• Plan ahead to have a designated sober driver or use public transportation if you will be drinking. If you’ve been drinking, call a sober friend or family member, use public transportation, or call a taxi.
• If you see a driver who appears to be drunk on the road, call the police immediately.
• If someone you know has been drinking and is about to drive, take their keys and help them get home safely.

For more information, contact the Arlington Police Department at 781-643-1212.