Arlington Police to Increase Drunk Driving Enforcement Over the Holidays

ARLINGTON, MA — Over 200 police departments across the state are telling motorists to drive sober, or get pulled over.

The Arlington Police Department joins others across the Commonwealth by increasing the number of impaired driving patrols over the holidays through a special grant from the Massachusetts Highway Safety Division (HSD) of the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS).

Arlington police join more than 200 local police departments across the state and the Massachusetts State Police in the national #DriveSoberorGetPulledOver enforcement mobilization.

Beginning Dec. 9 and continuing into the New Year, drivers will notice stepped up enforcement watching closely for anyone who is driving impaired.

The APD also offers tips for motorists to help them stay safe.

• Plan for a sober ride home before celebrating this holiday season. Use a ride sharing or taxi service, the MBTA, or a designated driver if you will be consuming alcohol and then travelling.

• If someone you know has been drinking, do not let that person get behind the wheel. Take their keys, take them home, or help them arrange a safe way home.

• Stay in control by wearing your seat belt on every trip. Seat belts keep drivers behind the wheel in a crash.

• Stay off your handheld devices when driving.

Charlene Arsenault, Patch Staff contributed to this report