Patrol looking for safe holiday
By John Joyce
Published in News on December 30, 2015 1:46 PM
The state Highway Patrol in Wayne County counted zero fatalities over the Christmas holiday, a trend First Sgt. Jerry Burton would like to see continued through the new year.
For the remainder of the year, and especially on New Year's Eve, Burton and his troopers will be out in force, cracking down on intoxicated and unsafe drivers.
"Be very aware that we will have as many troopers as possible out there," he said.
During the week of Christmas, troopers assigned to Wayne County -- Troop C, District II -- wrote 184 charges including 7 DWIs, 34 seat belt violations, four child restraint violations and 32 speeding tickets, Burton said.
Of the 40 wrecks the highway patrol responded to in that time, at least five were alcohol-related.
"I know for sure five of them, because that is where some of our DWI (arrests) came from," he said.
Sgt. Maurice DeValle put together this year's plan of attack, mapping the location of several checkpoints the highway patrol will man in an attempt to crack down on drunk drivers. DeValle stopped short of revealing the location of any of the checkpoints to ensure their effectiveness.
"We will have several checkpoints set up, and we will have the maximum amount of manpower we can put out there," he said.
Troopers will be "wolfpacking," or targeting in bunches, high target areas known to have the highest volume of collisions.
Anyone who expects to be on the road New Year's Eve is cautioned to be extra vigilant for other motorists traveling at high speeds, exhibiting reckless driving or possibly driving while intoxicated, DeValle said.
"If they see anything like that we ask them to call *HP, which is a free call that will connect them with our communications office," he said. "We can get a trooper in the area and we can try to catch up to that intoxicated driver."
The highway patrol advises having a place before leaving the house to celebrate the new year. Designate a sober driver, or call a ride. If possible, stay the night rather than trying to drive home.
"Alcohol and driving do not mix," Burton said. "Be safe, and wear your seat belt."