Memorial Day Weekend DWI Patrols Announced by State Police

Patrols will be ramped up in New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Maine this Memorial Day weekend, with police on the hunt for aggressive and impaired drivers.

A line of troopers from all three New England states crowded into the Interstate 93 rest stop in Salem Thursday to update the public on what measures will be taken over the holiday weekend.

Major Russell Conte of the New Hampshire State Police said that the overall goal for police is to make safety a top priority.

"We want to make sure the message that we send is a strong one, that we want you to arrive alive," said Conte.

Conte added that trained officers will be on patrol and prepared to detect those who have been drinking or using any other substance.

Peter Thompson of the New Hampshire Highway Safety Agency delivered some promising statistics, noting that driving fatalities are the lowest in 50 years, with 106 deaths in the state in 2012 compared to 39 so far in 2013.

Thompson stressed that drivers remain alert and cautious heading into the weekend.

"We ask that you be vigilant. Use caution. Be courteous and always wear your seat belt. Seat belts do save lives," said Thompson.

He added that the rate of impaired driving has remained at about 30 percent of all fatalities for the last 30 years.

Massachusetts State Police initiatives will includes sobriety checkpoint, seat belt enforcement, extra patrols focusing on cell phone use among junior operators, distracted driving, texting while driving, illegal street racing, underage drinking and a zero tolerance policy on alcohol use at state parks and beaches.

In Maine, marked and unmarked vehicles along with aircraft details will be on patrol.

In Hooksett, open tolling opened on Wednesday will make matters easier for troopers this weekend.

Conte said that when people slow down, there is about a 60 percent increase in accidents when people slow down. He said police are excited to see the difference the new system will make for this weekend and the summer.

Following the press conference, New Hampshire State Police issued a list of tips for drivers this weekend.

Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin;

Before drinking, please designate a sober driver and give that person your keys;

If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation so you are sure to get home safely;

Use your community’s Sober Rides program where available;

If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to call 911;

And remember, if you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.

Driving a vehicle while impaired is not worth the risk of killing yourself or someone else.  Don't let this holiday weekend or your summer end in an arrest…or even worse…….a tragic death.

Please:  Buckle Up…Don’t mix alcohol and drugs with driving; Don’t Drive Distracted; and simply Slow Down. Have a happy and safe holiday weekend.