RUMFORD — Police are stepping up enforcement details to deter underage drinking and drivers operating under the influence, Chief Stacy Carter said Friday in a news report.
“We will be aggressively enforcing those laws,” he said.
The department will conduct high-visibility, enforcement details from now through Sept. 6. Carter said the efforts are part of the nationwide High Visibility Impaired Driving Enforcement Campaign.
“This is an impaired driving enforcement program designed to target and decrease the number of impaired drivers on our highways,” he said.
The program supports the 2013 DriveSober Maine campaign.
Additionally, Rumford police will conduct extra patrols during the same time.
A $9,000 grant from the Maine Bureau of Highway Safety is funding these efforts, Carter said.
“The Rumford Police Department asks for voluntary compliance to keep the motoring public safe,” he said.
“Don’t risk it. If you plan to drive, don’t drink. Choose a sober designated driver before going out. Take a taxicab or ask a friend to drive you home. Spend the night where the activity is being held.”
As always, the department also encourages people to report impaired drivers to law enforcement, as well as anonymous tips.
Extra patrol coverage will also be funded using grants from the River Valley Healthy Communities Coalition and the Maine Office of Substance Abuse, Carter said.
“We will be focusing our efforts on underage drinking laws and those furnishing alcohol or a place for minors to consume,” he said.
“As we go into prom and graduation seasons, we are dedicated to ensuring kids make it through these periods with enjoyable memories and not tragedies.”
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