At select dates and times officers will be aggressively targeting impaired drivers.

Impaired driving is one of America’s most often committed and deadliest crimes. In 2010, 115 people died in impaired driving related crashes in the Commonwealth. Moreover, there were an additional 2,750 impaired driving related personal injury and property damage crashes and almost 14,635 impaired driving arrests.

In 2011 the Amherst Police arrested 144 people for impaired driving. This included operating under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. So far in 2012, 87 people have been arrested for driving while impaired.

“All too often, innocent, law-abiding people suffer tragic consequences and the loss of loved ones due to this careless disregard for human life. Because we’re committed to highway safety, we are intensifying enforcement during the crackdown. Since twice as many alcohol-impaired crashes occur over the weekend and four times as many occur at night, we will be especially vigilant during these high-risk times when impaired drivers are most likely to be on the road,” said Chief Livingstone.

Amherst Police Officers will be aggressively looking for all impaired drivers during the crackdown and will arrest anyone they find driving while impaired — regardless of age, vehicle type or time of day.

"Our message is simple and unwavering: if we find you driving impaired, we will arrest you. No exceptions,” said Chief Livingstone. “Designate a sober driver, take the bus, or call a cab. Don’t get behind the wheel and drive.”

According to the Registry of Motor Vehicles, violators often face jail time, loss of their driver licenses, or being sentenced to use ignition interlocks. Their insurance rates go up. Other financial hits include attorney fees, court costs, lost time at work, and the potential loss of job or job prospects. All told, a first offense can easily cost well over $5000. Driving impaired is simply not worth all the consequences. Remember, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.

For more information contact Sergeant Todd Lang via email or call (413) 259-3000.