Norton Police: Extra DUI Patrols Through New Year's

NORTON, MA — Norton police said they're stepping up drunk-driving patrols for the holidays. The department is one of over 100 Massachusetts police departments included in the national "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign, funded by a grant from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security. The money pays for departments to launch extra DUI patrols through New Year's.

"Enjoy a safe and responsible holiday season," Norton police said in a statement.

State police are also participating in the campaign, which launched Saturday. On that day, state police troopers in the Springfield region made five DUI arrests.

In 2014 in Massachusetts, 133 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

A typical drunk-driving arrest results in about $10,000 in expenses related to bail, court fees, and other costs, officials said.

“The cost of cab fare is nothing compared to a $10,000 OUI, the inconvenience of spending the holidays behind bars, or the cost of someone’s life,” police said in a statement.

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