NTPD Reminds Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving

The Northampton Township Police Department is asking motorists not to drive impaired by enforcing the "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" program, according to the police chief.

Chief Barry Pilla said that the police department is joining The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's "Drive Sober" program in an effort to try and further prevent impaired and drunk driving. Nationally, nearly 11,000 people die on the road due to drunk driving, according to the administration.

"Our ultimate goal is to save lives and prevent having to knock on someone's door to give them horrible news that a loved one has been seriously injured or taken far too early in life," Pilla said.

From Jan. 1 2010 through June 30, 2012, the NTPD made 73 DUI arrests, according to data provided by the police department. Of the 73 arrests, 51 were made as a result of a traffic crash. Data shows that many of those arrests took place between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m., with the greatest majority taking place between 1 a.m. and 2:59 a.m.

The majority of the 73 DUI arrests were made on Bristol Road, Bridgetown Pike, (Route 532) Buck Road, Holland Road, (Route 232) Second Street Pike and (Route 332) Almshouse Road and Newtown Richboro Road.

Pilla wants every member of the community to help spread the word and save lives. The police department also asks the community remember:

• Don't drive while impaired
• Don't let family, friends or neighbors drive while impaired
• If you see an impaired driver report it immediately 
• Help us keep our community safer

For more information, visit the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over website.