During this festive time of year, with the holiday parties and other occasions, many people will be drinking, and the likelihood of impaired driving increases along with drunk-driving related fatalities. Billerica Police will join the 191 eligible local law enforcement agencies and the MA State Police running extra patrols through the New Year as part of the national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over mobilization. This campaign is funded by a federal grant administered through the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security’s Highway Safety Division (EOPSS/HSD).

“It’s time for all drivers to get the message,” said Chief Dan Rosa. “Drunk driving isn’t a victimless crime. You could kill yourself or someone else.”

The facts are grim. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that in 2012 in Massachusetts, 123 people were killed in crashes that involved drivers with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. Nationally, in December of 2012, there were 830 people killed in crashes involving at least one driver with a BAC of .08 or higher. 26 of those deaths occurred on Christmas Day.

As part of the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement campaign, police will increase patrols, conduct sobriety checkpoints, and conduct public outreach through local media with hopes of delivering their life saving message to drivers. If you’re drinking and driving, Billerica police will find and arrest you. No warnings, no excuses. You’ll face jail time, fines, loss of your driver’s license, towing fees, and other OUI expenses, totaling $10,000 on average.

Billerica Police suggests anyone drinking should designate a sober driver ahead of time, call a friend or family member, use public transportation, or call a taxi. The alternatives are all far less expensive than the $10,000 cost of being caught and charged with OUI or taking someone’s life.

“We can’t stand to see this tragic loss of life again and again,” added Chief Rosa. “It’s heartbreaking to drive up to a house all decorated for the holidays, and knock on the door to deliver terrible news. So leading up to the holidays, we are really cracking down, and we will show zero tolerance for drunk drivers on the road.”

In addition to reminding all drivers to drive sober, Chief Rosa is calling on everyone to be alert. If someone you know is about to drive after drinking, take their keys and help them get home safely.