Officials in Massachusetts came together on Wednesday to warn motorists of the dangers of operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The warning comes two days before the start of the three-day Labor Day holiday and is part of the state’s “Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest” efforts, which runs from August 13 until September 3, 2008.
According to Massachusetts State Police Superintendent Col. Mark. F. Delaney, “We want people to enjoy themselves, but we want them… — if they are driving — absolutely sober.” During this latest initiative, Massachusetts state and local police will conduct more patrols to apprehend anyone driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs and prevent more traffic injuries and deaths from happening.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that there were 174 drunk driving-related deaths in Massachusetts in 2006. Meantime, the number of people arrested over the last few years for OUI in the state has increased from 3,860 in 2006 to 4,879 in 2007. Nationally, in 2007, there were 12,998 alcohol-related deaths.
According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving’s Massachusetts chapter Communications Director David DeIuliis, out of every three people, one person knows someone that was hurt or died in an auto accident caused by a drunk driver.
In addition to efforts by state and local agencies to stop drunk driving, Massachusetts State Police are suggesting that people:
• Drive sober.
• Drive no faster than the designated speed limits.
• Refuse to get in the car with a drunk driver.
• Call 911 if they see anyone driving drunk.
• Wear safety belts.
Drunk driving accidents are often catastrophic accidents, and the ones that suffer the most are the victims and their loved ones. You and your family may be entitled to personal injury compensation.
Police Step Up Highway Patrols For Holiday, WCVB.com, August 27, 2008
Drunk driving initiative under way, WickedLocal.com, August 20, 2008
Related Web Resources:
Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest, Mass.gov
Impaired Driving, CDC.gov
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