With New Year's Eve celebrations planned or being planned, local officials are
reminding everyone to practice safe habits this year.
Clinton Police Chief Mike Reidy says New Year's eve is becoming a holiday where his
officer's are issuing fewer and fewer DUI's. He says New Year's Eve and the 4th of
July are the holidays where the most drinking takes place throughout the year. He adds
even though DUI numbers are down, there will be extra officers on patrol.
[audio:newyearsevedrinking1.mp3]Chief Reidy[/audio]
First time offenders for DUI's punishments are getting more and more severe. Chief
Reidy explains for a first time offender, they lose their license and are subject to
breathalizers in their vehicles.
[audio:newyearsevedrinking2.mp3]First DUI Offense[/audio]
The cost associated with the breathalizer devices in vehicles are extremely high. Chief
Reidy says the cost associated with those can be one time charges to monthly fees. He
says there are then other costs associated with it that get put back into the
department that issued the DUI to purchase equipment.
[audio:newyearsevedrinking3.mp3]Severe Cost[/audio]
Should a driver have their license taken away and they then choose to drive while under
the influence again, Chief Reidy says the Police Department could even take the driver's
car away and they will go to jail a second time. He says the department will find some
use for the car upon it being taken, whether they sell it or use it or find other means
for it.
[audio:newyearsevedrinking4.mp3]Repeat Offenders[/audio]
Chief Reidy encourages anyone drinking on New Year's to designate someone to be their
designated driver. Reidy says often perks come along with being the DD. He says many
times bars will provide free non-alcoholic beverages for the designated driver.
One time a year on New Year's Eve, the Clinton Police department will provide a free
service where they will come and give anyone who has had too much to drink a free ride
to their home. Chief Reidy says this is to encourage those celebrating the New Year to
be safe and not get behind the wheel of a vehicle under the influence. For more
information, you can call the Police Department at 935-9441.