For Immediate Release

Friday, Aug. 10, 2018

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

Wenham Police Participating in ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’ Campaign

WENHAM — Chief Thomas Perkins reports that the Wenham Police Department will be increasing the number of patrols on local roads as part of the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” summer campaign.

The campaign is an initiative of the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security’s Highway Safety Division and will continue through the remainder of the summer.

Police urge motorists who have been drinking or using marijuana or other drugs to plan ahead and designate a driver, use a ride-sharing service or take public transportation.

“There is no excuse for getting behind the wheel while impaired,” Chief Perkins said. “Calling for a taxi or using a ride-sharing service will help to ensure that you get to your destination safely. Don’t put yourself or others at risk by driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.”

Wenham Police will have several officers on the lookout for impaired and reckless drivers over the coming weeks. Everyone is reminded to never get behind the wheel if they have been drinking and to never get into a vehicle if the driver is impaired.

“Getting behind the wheel after drinking alcohol, using marijuana or both is one of the most dangerous things drivers can do,” said Jeff Larason, Director of the Highway Safety Division. “A little planning can save your life or someone else’s. Regret or remorse won’t bring someone back.”

According to the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, marijuana or marijuana-type drugs were the most prevalent types of drugs found in people killed in crashes from 2011 to 2016.

From 2015 to 2016, alcohol impaired driving fatalities increased 9 percent (109 to 119) in the state.

The Wenham Police Department is joining local law enforcement agencies across the Commonwealth, as well as the Massachusetts State Police, by enhancing its efforts to keep impaired drivers off the road.

If you are charged with operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you will lose your license and could face jail time and incur the cost of significant fines and expenses.

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