Hingham Police to Crackdown on Drunk Drivers on Thanksgiving Eve

The night before Thanksgiving is one of the heaviest travel days of the year. It is also one of the most popular nights for restaurants and bars.

That combination can lead to one of the most dangerous times to be on the road. Hingham Police want to make sure the night before Thanksgiving will be safe for everyone.

To accomplish this they are adding additional officers, to work OUI Saturation Patrols, whose primary focus will be detecting and arresting drunk drivers. 

This is the fourth year the Hingham Police are adding specific drunk driving patrols for the Thanksgiving eve. The main focus of these patrols will be on drunken driving behaviors, including failure to keep right, following too closely, driving recklessly, driving aggressively and speeding.

Officers will also be enforcing seat belt laws, because they know it’s the best defense against drunk drivers. These additional officers will conduct high visibility OUI Saturation patrols, targeting roads where OUI crashes have occurred in 2013.

The high visibility aspect is an effort is to show a high presence along these roads to further deter potential drivers. Motorists will see more police activity on these nights. 

“The safest way is to not let someone become a drunk driver in the first place” said Sgt. Steven Dearth.” 

All 27 Hingham establishments are voluntarily participating in the Designated Driver Program. This is the 10th year of program. Police also want to remind you if see a drunk driver to call 9-1-1 immediately if it safe to do so. If possible, have a passenger make the call. Remember to describe the make and color of the vehicle, the license plate and the direction it’s headed. Never try to stop a vehicle yourself or put yourself in harm’s way. 

So far in 2013, Hingham Police have received 437 calls reporting “erratic drivers” as compared to 399 for the same time in 2012. 

Police are also encouraging people to take their online pledge, “Do It Right, Win A Night!” to either use or be a Designated Driver.

The pledge runs from now through January 2. One person will win a free “night out” in an 8-10 passenger limo. Take the pledge at www.hpd.org.

–Hingham Police Department