Westfield Police to Increase DWI Enforcement During St. Patrick's Day Weekend

The following is a press release from the Westfield Police Department:

As Saint Patrick’s Day approaches. Westfield Police Chief David C. Wayman is again urging motorists to plan a safe ride home and not get behind the wheel drunk.  During the holiday weekend, law enforcement officials in Westfield will be on high alert, cracking down on drunk drivers as part of their Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over public safety campaign.

“Drunk driving is dangerous, deadly and against the law – and it will not be tolerated in Westfield this Saint Patrick’s Day weekend,” stated Chief Wayman.  “We are giving fair warning to anyone traveling through Westfield that our law enforcement officers will be out on patrol, and if you are caught driving drunk, you will be arrested,” added the Chief.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that over 700 people have been killed nationwide from 2006 to 2010 in crashes involving drunk drivers during the Saint Patrick’s Day holiday.  

On average, every 51 minutes a person is killed in a drunk-driving crash in the United States and a majority of these crashes involve drivers who have blood alcohol concentrations of .15 grams per deciliter or higher, almost twice the legal limit.

In response to these alarming statistics, the Westfield Police Department will be increasing its Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) enforcement efforts during the Saint Patrick’s Day weekend. These increased enforcement efforts will include additional police patrols and a DWI Checkpoint during the late evening and early morning hours. The DWI Checkpoint is presently being considered for one or more of the following locations: Central Avenue, East Broad Street, North Avenue, South Avenue and Springfield Avenue.

“Whether you are gathering with friends at a restaurant or bar or attending a local parade, if alcohol is part of your festivities, make sure you designate a sober driver to get you home safely,” stated Chief Wayman.

Additionally, Chief Wayman and the Westfield Police Department are offering these simple tips to follow to help ensure a happy and safe Saint Patrick’s Day weekend:

– Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin; 

– Before drinking, designate a sober driver and leave your car keys at home; 

– If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation to get home safely; 

–  If you think you see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to immediately contact the local police department;

– And, if you know someone who has been drinking and is about to drive while impaired, take his or her keys and make other arrangements to get them home safely.