'Tis The Season For Drive Sober Or Get Pulled Over

New Milford Chief of Police Frank Papapietro said that the end-of-year holiday season is one of the deadliest times on the roads. That is why New Milford is once again taking part in the nationwide 'Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over' campaign.

Papapietro said that since the Thanksgiving holiday, New Milford police officers have made three DWI arrests and issued over 35 summonses for charges ranging from seat belt and phone violations to unregistered vehicles.

Papapietro reported that while police officer Michael Lafrano was directing traffic at an accident scene at New Bridge Rd. and Boulevard at 10 pm on Dec. 1, a driver nearly struck him when he refused to comply with orders to stop. The driver was subsequently charged with DWI and careless driving.

Officially, 'Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over' begins Friday, Dec. 7. However, Papapietro said that New Milford police are always on the roads keeping them safe from drunk drivers.

Papapietro said that being part of this initiative is important to his department especially since New Milford is a cut through town for many people on their way to and from Route 4. "Drunk drivers are the leading cause of traffic deaths," Papapietro said. "We want to protect the safety of our residents."

According to Papapietro, 'Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over' is funded through DWI enforcement funds. A portion of the fines collected from DWI arrests go toward funding this initiative. "No overtime costs are incurred by the taxpayers for our participation in this program," he said. 

Papapietro warned residents and those driving through New Milford, "If you choose to drive drunk, you will be held accountable."

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