Art Reed, Chief of Police
401 Main St.
West Newbury, MA 01985
For Immediate Release
Monday, June 25, 2018
Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net
West Newbury Police Remind Residents to Avoid Driving Impaired During July 4 Holiday
WEST NEWBURY — Chief Art Reed and the West Newbury Police Department wish to remind residents of the dangers of impaired driving prior to the July 4 holiday, which is traditionally among the deadliest times of the year on American roadways.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are more deaths due to drunk driving crashes around the Fourth of July holiday — between the evening of July 2 and the morning of July 6 — than at any other time throughout the year.
In 2016, 188 people were killed in crashes involving at least one driver or motorcycle operator who was impaired by alcohol. Almost half of those deaths occurred when at least one driver or operator had a BAC of .15 or higher — nearly twice the legal limit.
Individuals who are arrested for operating under the influence face myriad consequences, including:
- Jail time
- Loss of driver’s license and vehicle
- Fines
- Up to $10,000 in attorney fees, plus additional costs beyond fines
- If you kill someone while operating under the influence, you can face manslaughter charges.
“Driving under the influence puts you and countless others in danger, and it can absolutely be avoided,” Chief Reed said. “Be smart and arrange how you will get home before you plan on drinking.”
The West Newbury Police Department urges residents to observe the following tips from the NHTSA on getting home safely:
- Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, do not plan on driving.
- Designate a sober driver or use public transportation or a ride share service to get home safely.
- Take the keys away from individuals who are drunk and are planning to drive.
- If you see an impaired driver on the road, call local law enforcement.
NHTSA’s mobile app, SaferRide, allows users to call a taxi or a friend and identify their location so they can be picked up safely. Residents who will be drinking during the holiday are also encouraged to use apps like Lyft or Uber in order to call a ride, rather than drive themselves.
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