The State Police have launched a 2013 holiday enforcement program intended to save lives and prevent injuries in the Christmas/New Year’s season, a program called Operation SANTA (Stop Another Needless Tragic Accident,”’ said Lt. J. Paul Vance, department spokesman, in a news release.
The accident reduction enforcement action involves all state police across the United States, with the focus on driver behavior that causes accidents, including traffic speed, wearing seatbelts, driving while under the influence or distracted driving.
Traditionally, at this time of year, many holiday celebrations such as house and office parties take place, Vance said. Many of these parties may include the consumption of alcohol, and not all guests designate a non-drinking driver, he said. State police troopers have scheduled DUI sobriety checkpoints and enhanced DUI enforcement operations on the roads and highways across the state, he said.
“Our state troopers are trying to save lives and keep all our roads and highways safe,” said Reuben Bradford, emergency services and public protection commissioner. “Remember, mixing alcohol with driving any vehicle is a dangerous combination for everyone, and illegal in our state.”
State police are asking for the public’s help in this effort. If you are going to attend a holiday where alcoholic beverages are to be served, come with a designated non-drinking driver. If you spot a driver who appears to be under the influence, call 911 and report it to the police. Likewise, report any other distracted, or dangerous, driving activities.
“This is a true emergency,” Vance said.
The Operation SANTA program statistics for the Christmas and New Years season of 2012 are as follows:
783 traffic accidents, 79 with injuries, three fatal crashes with four deaths.
DUI arrests: 73
Speeding arrests: 1,027.
Seatbelt violations: 59.
Hazardous moving violations, including following too close and distracted driving: 1,986.