Melrose Police: 'Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over'

Melrose Police are taking part in the "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign in an effort to reduce the number or drunk drivers.

While the goal is always to eliminate drunk driving, this specific campaign runs though Dec. 9 - Jan. 1 and is funded by a federal grant administered through the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security’s Highway Safety Division.

More than 200 local police departments across Massachusetts and the State Police are also taking part.

“We will be increasing the number of officers we have on patrol this season, who will be closely monitoring the roads for impaired drivers,” Melrose Police Chief Lyle said. “If you have been drinking, do not get behind the wheel, even if it’s only to drive down the street. Our goal is to ensure everyone has safe and happy holidays.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, alcohol was a factor in nearly one in three fatal crashes.

Lyle advises motorists to follow several important safety tips:

• 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 traveling.
• If someone you know has been drinking, do not let that person get behind the wheel. Take the person’s keys, give the person a ride home, or help arrange a safe way for the person to get back.
• Wear your seat belt every time you get in your vehicle. Seat belts keep drivers behind the wheel in a crash.
• Keep off your devices when driving.