Chilmark police target drunk drivers with extra patrols

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Although ’tis the season of holiday cheer, the Chilmark Police Department plans to crack down on drivers who overindulge in the alcoholic kind.

Today through the New Year’s Day weekend, Chilmark police will run extra patrols to stop drunk drivers.

Their efforts are part of a national campaign entitled, “Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest,” funded by a federal grant through the executive Office of Public Safety and Security.

“Recently there have been several OUI [operating under the influence] related motor vehicle crashes in the town of Chilmark,” Police Chief Brian Cioffi said in a press release this week. “No one has been seriously injured, yet. The Chilmark Police are determined to stop this destructive trend.”

For a safe holiday season, he recommends that celebrants plan a safe way home before the festivities begin; designate a sober driver before drinking; use a taxi, public transportation, or call a sober friend or family member if impaired by drinking; and remember that “friends don’t let friends drive drunk.”

“If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to contact the police by calling the Dukes County Sheriff’s dispatchers at 911 or 508-693-1212,” Chief Cioffi also advised.