State Police say they're cracking down on impaired driving this summer

LACONIA — If Memorial Day Weekend is any predictor, drivers should expect to see enhanced efforts to identify and prosecute impaired drivers during specific times this summer, such as Laconia Motorcycle Week.

State Police said last month the “first in a planned series of driving while intoxicated (DWI) patrols in Belknap County” had occurred over Memorial Day Weekend.

The enhanced effort featured saturation patrols by State Police officers, who made 102 stops between the evening of May 25, and the early hours of May 26. Those stops resulted in 32 summonses, four persons taken into protective custody and six arrests. The arrests included charges of driving under the influence, driving with open containers of alcohol and marijuana, false inspection stickers, driving with a suspended license, and driving a vehicle not fitted with a breathalyzer as required by court order.

In a press release about the initiative was a suggestion that impaired drivers would continue to be targeted. “The DWI saturation patrols will continue throughout the summer, with a focus on targeting times when impaired driving is more prevalent, including holiday weekends and popular events.”

In an email response to questions, a spokesperson for State Police said the effort, kicked off in Belknap County, will be present statewide, and directed toward areas that receive a high amount of visitation, and at times when alcohol is frequently consumed.

The spokesperson said funding for the effort comes primarily through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

“As in all traffic enforcement efforts, our goal is to reduce crashes and save lives,” the spokesperson said. “Ultimately, we hope this campaign encourages drivers to make safe decisions and to never get behind the wheel impaired. Drivers should always make a plan to get home safely before they celebrate.”