On January 6, 2016

Vermont launches “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” Dec. 18 – Jan. 3

Major enforcement effort seeks to save lives

Vermont joins the nation in the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, which began Friday, Dec. 18 and will last through Jan. 3, with a strong law enforcement presence on Vermont highways. Law enforcement agencies across the state include the DUI Task Force, local police, sheriff’s departments, and the Vermont State Police Operation C.A.R.E (Combined Accident Reduction Effort) will be conducting extra patrols and sobriety checkpoints to detect impaired drivers. In addition, Vermont will utilize law enforcement Drug Recognition Experts (DRE) to evaluate any suspected drug impaired drivers.

In 2014, 38 percent of fatalities were impaired driving-related which includes both drugs and alcohol. To date, there have been 52 people killed in highway crashes and 10 of those involved a driver with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher, which is illegal in every state.

“It’s time for all drivers to get the message,” said Lt. John Flannigan of the Vermont State Police. Driving impaired is a choice you make, that puts others at risk of injury or death.”

So make a plan before that holiday gathering, police say. If you plan on drinking, designate a designated driver or use alternate public transportation.

“Violators often face jail time, the loss of their driver’s license, higher insurance rates, attorney fees, time away from work, and dozens of other expenses. So do not take the chance,” said Secretary of Transportation Chris Cole.

The public is encouraged to report suspected impaired drivers by calling 911 or contacting their local law enforcement agency.

Do you want to submit feedback to the editor?

Send Us An Email!

Related Posts

Vt Legislature advances bill to ban toxic ‘forever chemicals’ from firefighting gear, dental floss, cleaning products

June 4, 2025
The Vermont Senate and House advance legislation (H.238) May 29 that would outlaw the use of toxic perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in firefighting gear, dental floss, cleaning products, and fluorine-treated containers—a critical step in reducing Vermonters’ exposure to these harmful substances. The Senate expanded the bill as passed by the House by adding a provision that…

To be continued…

June 4, 2025
A final compromise on education reform proved elusive late Friday, and at about 11 p.m., the Senate adjourned, followed by the House at about 11:30 p.m. As late as 10 p.m., legislative leaders were still hopeful that the six conferees (three House and three Senate members) could reach a deal sometime before midnight that would…

Nearing the end?

June 4, 2025
After passing several challenging bills in the last few weeks, the Vermont Legislature adjourned until June 16 due to an impasse over negotiations on our education transformation bill, H.454. Many other bills addressing housing, homelessness, healthcare, and several other major issues required compromises from both the House and the Senate in order to be passed…

Vermont gets $23 million from ongoing settlement with tobacco manufacturers

June 4, 2025
Attorney General Charity Clark announced last month that Vermont received a total of $23,132,483.92 from tobacco manufacturers under the tobacco Master Settlement Agreement (MSA). Annually, Vermont receives monies from tobacco manufacturers from the MSA, which resolved the state’s lawsuit filed in the 1990s. The settlement funds are credited to the state’s Tobacco Fund, and the…