State Police Offer New Year's Holiday Travel Tips

In an effort to keep Massachusetts roadways safer during this upcoming holiday period, the Massachusetts State Police offers these six travel tips:

• Drive sober and well-rested;
• Obey speed limits and allow extra time for unexpected traffic and weather conditions;
• If celebration plans involve alcoholic beverages, designate a sober driver before heading out or plan to use mass transit, take a taxi, or sleep over at the event location;
• Never accept a ride with an impaired driver;
• Report impaired drivers by dialing 911;
• Make sure everyone is properly buckled up - it's the best defense against a drunk, speeding or aggressive driver.

If you are holding a New Year's celebration, consider serving festive, non-alcoholic "mocktails" based on recipes at www.mass.gov/highwaysafety. As during all holiday periods, hosts need to be extra vigilant to prevent guests from leaving their events impaired or those under 21 years of age from accessing alcoholic beverages.

With funding from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, the State Police and hundreds of local police are conducting extra traffic enforcement focused on arresting impaired drivers as part of a national Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest. Mobilization through January 2^nd. State Police will conduct up to three sobriety checkpoints this weekend.

On average each week 300 people are arrested for impaired driving in Massachusetts. A first-time conviction for drunk driving in Massachusetts can cost more than $7,800, plus the significant expense of years of insurance surcharges.

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www.mass.gov/msp

Dial 911 on your Cell Phone for all Roadway Emergencies