State Police Announce St. Pat's Sobriety Checkpoints

St. Patrick’s Day parties will kick in on Saturday night, which can spell trouble on the roadways. The Massachusetts State Police (MSP) announced sobriety checkpoints in the area and the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) is cautioning St. Patrick’s Day revelers to plan a safe ride on Saturday night.

“Buzzed driving is drunk driving,” the group said in a press statement. “Driving buzzed on the holiday could cost you a pot of leprechaun’s gold – like up to $10,000 in legal fees, court costs, and increased insurance rates.”

The MSP announced that sobriety checkpoints will set up in Middlesex County from Saturday, March 17 into Sunday, March 18.

“The purpose is to further educate the motoring public and strengthen the public’s awareness to the need of detecting and removing those motorists who operate under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs from our roadways,” read a statement from MSP. “It will be operated during varied hours, the selection of vehicles will not be arbitrary, safety will be assured, and any inconveniences to motorists will be minimized with advance notice to reduce fear and anxiety.”

Despite warnings from State Police, Chief Alan Gordon said the annual celebration has not caused issues for police in town.

“It’s really up to the establishments,” he said. “They train and are expected to observe the rules of certification.”

He said there will be no extra officers on duty, nor will there be specific hot spots in town that will be monitored.

NHTSA advises that anyone planning to be on the roads Saturday take precautions, regardless of whether driving locally or on area highways, to find a sober driver.

In a statement, the group said, “Don’t rely on dumb luck this St. Patrick’s Day. Plan ahead and designate a sober driver and ask your loved ones to do the same.”

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