Celebrate the Holiday Season Responsibly
Celebrate the Holiday Season Responsibly
State and local police will also look for aggressive and speeding drivers as well as those who don't wear safety belts or properly buckle up children. Similar initiatives to crackdown on drunk driving and other traffic offenses will be underway across the nation.
The extra state and local traffic enforcement for this YD&D YL Mobilization in Massachusetts is made possible through federal highway safety grant funds from the Governor's Highway Safety Bureau (GHSB). To highlight this additional enforcement, the GHSB is conducting a YD&D YL public information effort.
Alcohol-related fatalities have dropped from 48.5% in 2003 to 38.5% in 2005, thanks in part to tri-annual YD&D YL Mobilizations, the passage of Melanie's Law, and the greater use of sobriety checkpoints, especially those involving the BAT Mobile. Unfortunately, there were still 171 alcohol-related fatalities on Massachusetts roadways in 2005.
Here are some tips to celebrate responsibly during the holiday season and all yearlong:
- Allow extra time for unexpected traffic and weather conditions
- Obey posted speed limits.
- Don't risk it … If you plan to drive, don't drink alcohol or use any other drugs.
- If necessary, choose a sober designated driver before celebrating; take mass transit, or a taxi.
- Never accept a ride with a drunk driver.
- If necessary, spend the night where the celebration is being held or call a sober driver to take you home.
- Report impaired drivers to law enforcement by calling 911.
- Always wear your safety belt - it's your best defense against a drunk driver.
On behalf of the Massachusetts State Police, Colonel Mark Delaney wishes everyone a safe and joyous holiday season.
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Dial 911 on your Cell Phone for all Roadway Emergencies