For Immediate Release

Friday, Dec. 29, 2017

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Randolph Police Remind Residents to Remain Safe and Sober While Driving This New Year’s Weekend

RANDOLPH — With New Year’s celebrations and festivities coming up this weekend, Chief William Pace and the Randolph Police Department wish to emphasize the importance of remaining safe and sober while driving during the holidays.

“While we want everyone to enjoy themselves ringing in the new year, it is vital to the safety of our residents and community that people who are impaired never get behind the wheel,” Chief Pace said. “With the number of taxi cabs and ride-sharing services available, there is no excuse to drive under the influence.”

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 40 percent of traffic fatalities that occur during the holidays involve a driver who is alcohol-impaired, compared to 31 percent for the rest of the year. Mothers Against Drunk Driving reported that, in 2016, 48 percent of highway deaths on New Year’s Eve were alcohol related.

To keep travelers safe, Chief Pace offers the following safety tips from the National

Highway Traffic Safety Administration:

Buckle Up, Drive Sober and Pay Attention

• Always wear your seat belt.
• Never drive while intoxicated or if distracted. In every state, it is against the law to drive with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher. Do not text while driving and always keep both hands on the wheel.
• Be sure to have a designated driver to ensure that you and your family members are safe at all times in the motor vehicle.
• If you see anyone with an alcoholic beverage, or if a person smells of alcohol, do not get into the car or let that person drive.

Plan Ahead

• Utilize local taxi companies or ride-sharing services if you are impaired.
• Plan your travel and route by checking the weather, road conditions, and traffic. Leave early, if necessary, and allow plenty of time to safely get to your destination.
• Carry items in your vehicle that may prove useful in the event of an emergency or if you get stranded, including snow shovel, broom, ice scraper, jumper cables, flashlight, flares/emergency markers, blankets, mobile phone with charger, water, food and any necessary medicine.
• If you become stranded, don’t run your vehicle with the windows up or in an enclosed space for an extended period of time to avoid asphyxiation from carbon monoxide poisoning. If you must run your vehicle, clear the exhaust pipe of any snow and run it only sporadically – just long enough to stay warm.

For additional tips and information please visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website or call the Randolph Police Department at 781-963-1212.

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