Cambridge Police Awarded Grant to Reduce Impaired Driving

The Cambridge Police were once again awarded a grant from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security’s (EOPSS) Office of Grants and Research (OGR) to increase the number of impaired driving patrols during the holiday season. The Cambridge Police will join other departments across the state and the State Police in the national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over (DSOGPO) enforcement mobilization.

When an impaired driver is behind the wheel, everyone is at risk – passengers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and other motorists sharing the road. These funds will increase the number of impaired driving patrols over the holidays. Regardless of the type or level of impairment, if a driver is operating the vehicle in a dangerous manner, they will be stopped.

Arranging for a sober ride home before celebrating should be a part of everyone’s plans this holiday season. We want all drivers to recognize the responsibility they have to drive safely and to avoid getting behind the wheel if they’re impaired.

Please be aware of the following noteworthy Massachusetts Data (2013-2017):

- Marijuana was the most prevalent drug found in drivers involved in fatal crashes.

- 11 percent of drivers involved in fatal crashes were found with both alcohol and drugs in their system.

- 78 percent of impaired drivers in fatal crashes were men.

- 35 percent of drunk drivers involved in a fatal crash were 21-29 years old.

- The number of drivers involved in a fatal crash who were alcohol-impaired (BAC .08+) and had drugs in their system increased by 63 percent (35 to 57).

- In 2017, one person was killed every 48 minutes by a drunk driver on our nation’s roads.

- In 2017, almost one in five children (14 and younger) killed in traffic crashes were killed in drunk-driving crashes. Fifty-four percent of the time, it was the child’s driver who was drunk.