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‘Less DUI arrests, alcohol-related fatalities so far’
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Posted on Nov 22 2006
Less people were arrested for driving while under the influence of alcohol and there was only one alcohol-related fatality reported so far in the CNMI this year.
Police Officer Frankie S. Pangelinan, chairman of the Department of Public Safety’s 2006 Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Campaign, cited that from January to October this year, 354 people were arrested for DUI and there was one pedestrian who died as a result of an intoxicated driver.
Last year there were 414 DUI arrests and five alcohol-related fatalities.
“We are boosting our efforts locally to try and bring these numbers down. We’re hoping and we’re very positive about it. We just go all-out in our enforcement so that we can bring these numbers down,” Pangelinan told Saipan Tribune shortly after yesterday’s proclamation ceremony declaring December as 3Ds Prevention Month.
The chairman said they have 3D activities planned for the whole month and that he and the committee are working on calendar activities for this year’s campaign.
“Please don’t drink and drive; if you do drink, designate a sober driver,” he said.
In his remarks, acting Gov. Timothy P. Villagomez said officers will not tolerate drunk and drugged driving in the Commonwealth.
Villagomez said drunk and drugged driving can be avoided during the holidays by designating a driver or calling DPS for a free ride.
“Drunk and drugged driving is a crime. It is a deadly crime. Drunk and drugged driving kills people. It could be you, your mother, your father, your son, or your daughter,” the acting governor said.
