Through Jan. 3, Vermont is joining the nation in the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, with a strong law enforcement presence on the state's highways.
Law enforcement agencies across the state include the DUI Task Force, local police, sheriffs' departments, and the Vermont State Police Operation C.A.R.E (Combined Accident Reduction Effort) will be conducting extra patrols and sobriety checkpoints to detect impaired drivers.
In addition, Vermont will utilize law enforcement Drug Recognition Experts (DRE) to evaluate any suspected drug impaired drivers.
In 2014, 38 percent of fatalities were impaired driving related which includes both drugs and alcohol. To date, 52 people died in highway crashes in 2015, and 10 of those involved a driver with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 percent or higher, which is illegal in every state.
“It's time for all drivers to get the message,” said Lt. John Flannigan of the Vermont State Police. “Driving impaired is a choice you make, that puts others at risk of injury or death.”
“Violators often face jail time, the loss of their driver's license, higher insurance rates, attorney fees, time away from work, and dozens of other expenses. So do not take the chance,” said Vermont Transportation Secretary Chris Cole.
Both say drivers should make a plan before holiday gatherings. If you plan on drinking, be sure to have a designated driver or an alternate way to get home.
This December's national effort is supported by $7.5 million in paid-national advertising. The impaired driving campaign is a deterrence program organized by the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that focuses on combining high-visibility enforcement with heightened public awareness through advertising and publicity.
The public is encouraged to report suspected impaired drivers by calling 911 or contacting their local law enforcement agency.