Pocono News Section

Over the Limit - Under Arrest

Over the Limit - Under Arrest - Wednesday, December 16, 2009 at 5:23PM EST

Reported by: Jeremy Deebel
Wednesday, Dec 16, 2009 @ 05:23pm EST
Old Lycoming Township, Lycoming County-

Over the limit- under arrest. That’s the message from police regarding DUI enforcement this holiday season.

Old Lycoming Township Police Chief William Solomon said, “If you’re a .08 (B. A.C.) or above, you’re going to be arrested, simple as that. No ifs, ands, or buts.”

Area police will be stepping up efforts to stop impaired driving over the next few weeks.

Solomon noted, “There’s going to be multiple DUI checkpoints throughout that time period, DUI roving patrols which will be specifically targeting the impaired motorist and the aggressive drivers.”

Cops will also be undercover on area roads and in local liquor stores. People we spoke with applaud the crackdown.

Gary Smith, of Williamsport, said, “You want people to be safe, especially for the holiday season. You don’t want none of your family members getting hurt, you know. It’s definitely a good idea.”

Solomon continued, “If you’re planning on drinking, plan your way home that night. Don’t get in a car if you’ve been drinking, not even one drink. It’s not worth the risk.”

Police officers we spoke with say there’s nothing wrong with having a few drinks to celebrate the holidays. They just want people to use their heads.

They suggest picking a designated driver or staying someplace where no one has to drive. Smith said, “Other than that, be smart. Call a taxi, call a friend, whoever, but just stay off the road.”

Officers say if you do get behind the wheel while under the influence, there will be no excuses and no exceptions.

Solomon added, “The last thing I want to do is have to deliver a death message to somebody that their loved one’s been killed in a motor vehicle accident, which didn’t have to occur, because of alcohol.”

In 2008, nearly 12,000 people nationwide died in highway crashes involving an impaired driver.