In a continued effort to keep Massachusetts roadways safe, the Chelsea Police Department today announced the start of the “Drunk Driving- Over the Limit- Under Arrest Mobilization.” The statewide effort involving extra high-visibility traffic enforcement and public information will run throughout Labor Day Weekend from August 20 through September 6th. Drunk driving is a serious crime. In Massachusetts, a first offense for Operating Under
the Influence (OUI) is punishable with a fine of up to $5,000 or by imprisonment for up to two and a half years, or both. Chief Brian A. Kyes stated “We know that Labor Day, with all the barbecues and parties celebrating the unofficial end of summer, provide opportunities to consume alcohol. We want people to enjoy themselves, but we want them to be smart, safe and – if they are driving – absolutely sober.”
The advice is basic: don’t drink and drive. Yet, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 120 people died in substance-related vehicle crashes in Massachusetts in 2008. This statewide effort, funded by the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security with $890,000 in federal grant funding, aims to reduce that number.
During this mobilization, the Chelsea Police are joining over 250 other local police departments and Massachusetts State Police to crack down on drunk drivers across the Commonwealth. For more information, go to www.mass.gov/highwaysafety.
Chelsea residents are reminded they can provide information anonymously to the Police Department by calling the 24 hr Crime Stoppers TIP line at 617-466-4880 or texting the word Chelsea and then their message to tip411 (847411) from their cell phone. Anonymous web tips can also be submitted right from the Police Departments website at www.chelseapolice.com. |
