(Host) New Year’s Eve means many drivers will be on the roads tonight, and the Vermont State Police will be conducting D-U-I checkpoints around the state to catch drunk drivers.
Trooper Tara Thomas says her colleagues will be out on the roads, as they always are this time of year. But heightened awareness of the issue during the holiday season doesn’t mean everyone is following the rules.
(Thomas) "Other nights of the year can definitely be worse. We tend to get a lot of individuals that do get designated drivers lined up. But that’s not always the case."
(Host) Trooper Thomas recommends that motorists take precautions if they’ll be out on the roads tonight.
(Thomas) "Certainly take the time to get a designated driver and if the weather conditions are what we have in store for us for a storm, certainly allow for travel times, allow for enough room between your car and the vehicles ahead of you."
(Host) Overall, drunk driving arrests are expected to be down this year. In 2006, over 1,600 people were charged with the crime. At the end of 2007, it doesn’t look likely that number will be matched.