For Immediate Release

Friday, Dec. 11, 2015

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Contact: Jessica Sacco
Phone: 978-769-5193
Email: [email protected]

Ipswich Police Implement “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” Campaign to Save Lives

IPSWICH — Chief Paul Nikas announces that the Ipswich Police Department has increased patrols throughout town during the holiday season to prevent impaired driving, as part of the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign.

The initiative is funded through a grant from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security’s Highway Safety Division and will run from Dec. 9 through Jan. 2.

Residents are urged to never get behind the wheel if they have been drinking and to not get in a vehicle if the driver is impaired. The Ipswich Police Department also reminds motorists that wearing a seat belt is the best defense against drunk and aggressive drivers and your own mistakes.

“We are strongly urging residents to make responsible decisions if they plan to drink while out celebrating for the holidays,” Chief Nikas said. “Always plan ahead to have a sober driver, call a taxi, or take public transportation. We want all of residents to enjoy a safe and happy holiday this year.”

The National Center for Statistics and Analysis of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that in 2014 in Massachusetts, 133 people were killed in crashes that involved drivers with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher.

If you are charged with operating under the influence of alcohol, you will lose your license and could face jail time, along with incurring the cost of additional fines and expenses.

The Ipswich Police Department is one of 202 local law enforcement agencies running extra patrols through the New Year as part of the national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over mobilization.

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