Danvers Gets Grant To Increase Impaired Driving Patrols

From the Danvers Police Department: The Danvers Police Department will increase impaired driving patrols on local roads with grant funds from the Highway Safety Division of the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS). Danvers Police will join local departments across the state as well as the Massachusetts State Police in the national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement mobilization and public information campaign.

This year’s campaign will urge drivers drinking alcohol or using marijuana and other drugs to plan ahead and designate a sober driver, use a ride-share service or take public transportation.

“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.”

Massachusetts Data:
• 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).
• From 2011-2015, 82 percent of impaired drivers in fatal crashes were men.
• From 2011-2015, 45 percent of all alcohol-related driver fatalities were ages 21 to 34.
National Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:
• Approximately one-third of all traffic crash fatalities in the United States

Image via Shutterstock