Bedford Police Launch “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” Campaign Through January 2

Submitted by the Bedford Police Department

Chief Robert Bongiorno announces that the Bedford Police Department will be increasing their patrols around town this holiday season to prevent drunk driving related fatalities. This effort is part of the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign.

The initiative is funded through a grant from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security’s Highway Safety Division and will run from Dec. 9 through Jan. 2.

Bedford Police will have multiple cruisers out looking for impaired and reckless driving. Residents are reminded to never get behind the wheel if impaired and to not get in a vehicle if the driver has been drinking.

“We are thankful to be one of the recipients of this grant that will allow us to amp up our patrol efforts this time of year,” Chief Bongiorno said. “If you plan on attending a party, or meeting up with family and friends where you will be drinking, please do not drive. Instead, arrange to have a designated sober driver that can drop you off and pick you up, call a taxi or take public transportation. We hope everyone has safe and happy holidays.”

The National Center for Statistics and Analysis of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that in 2014 in Massachusetts, 133 people were killed in crashes that involved drivers with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher.

“One irresponsible decision could result in the loss of your or someone else’s life,” said Bedford’s Traffic Enforcement Officer Marc Saucier. “Act responsibly if you’re getting behind the wheel. We will have an increased presence around town over the next several weeks and will specifically be on the lookout for aggressive drivers.”

If you are charged with operating under the influence of alcohol, you will lose your license and could face jail time, along with incurring the cost of additional fines and expenses.

The Bedford Police Department is one of 202 local law enforcement agencies, along with the Massachusetts State Police, running extra patrols through the New Year as part of the national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over mobilization.