Burlington Police Cracking Down on Illegal Driving Behavior

The Burlington Police Department is alerting drivers not get behind the wheel intoxicated or face the consequences. 

As you celebrate the holiday season enjoying traditions, food, family and fun, be reminded that the Burlington Police Department will be out in force from December 13, 2013 to January 1, 2014 to protect the Commonwealth’s citizens by arresting anyone caught behind the wheel operating under the influence," a release from the Burlington Police Department states. "The Burlington Police Department will join the 191 eligible local law enforcement agencies and the Mass State Police to run extra patrols through the New Year as part of the national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over mobilization, funded by a federal grant administered through the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security’s Highway Safety Division (EOPSS-HSD)."  

The Burlington Police Department is giving fair warning to all partygoers.  

“You’ll see us making lots of stops during this highly visible enforcement period and if we suspect anyone is driving while intoxicated, officers will show zero tolerance for impaired driving,” said Sgt. Gerard McDonough. "The message is simple: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.  Drinking alcohol and driving do not mix.  If you plan to consume alcohol, you should also plan not to get behind the wheel of a vehicle." 

Unfortunately, the excitement and celebrations of the holiday season can lead to terrible decisions, and serious legal consequences, the release states. Data shows that the holiday season is a particularly deadly time due to the increased number of impaired drivers on the roads. In 2011 in Massachusetts, 114 people were killed in crashes that involved drivers with a blood alcohol content level of .08 or higher.

 “There is no holiday cheer behind the bars of a jail cell,” Sgt. McDonough said. “Don’t let your 2013 holiday season end in an arrest or worse, death or injury.  Remember, whether you’ve had way too many or just one too many, it’s not worth the risk.”

   EOPSS-HSD recommends these tips for a safe holiday season:     

• Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin;
• Before drinking, designate a sober driver and leave your car keys at home;
• If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation;
• If you happen to see an impaired driver on the road, don’t hesitate to contact law enforcement;
• And remember, Drive Sober Or Get Pulled Over. If you know someone who is about to drive while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get home safely.

For more information, please visit www.mass.gov/highwaysafety