Starting Friday and continuing through January 1, law enforcement officers across the state will be cracking down on drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs as part of the annual end of year “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” statewide campaign.
Local and state law enforcement officials will conduct saturation patrols and sobriety checkpoints looking for motorists who may be driving while intoxicated. Each participating department received a $5,000 grant from the state Division of Highway Traffic Safety to cover overtime costs. The division issued $750,000 in grants to 150 departments across the state.
The National “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” effort endeavors to raise awareness about the dangers of impaired driving through a combination of high-visibility enforcement and public education. During the last five years New Jersey has experienced approximately 41,000 alcohol involved crashes resulting in more than 800 fatalities. This is a critical law enforcement program that can save lives during a time of the year when impaired driving traditionally increases by nearly 10 percent.
Last year, 29% of all motor vehicle fatalities in New Jersey were alcohol related. Nationally, more than 10,000 people die each year in drunk driving crashes. The societal cost associated with these crashes is estimated to be $37 billion annually.
Law enforcement agencies participating in the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over 2016 Year End Holiday Crackdown offer the following advice for the holiday season:
- Take a taxicab or ask a sober friend to drive you home.
- Spend the night where the activity or party is held.
- If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact law enforcement. Your actions may save someone’s life, and inaction could cost a life.
- Always buckle-up, every ride. It’s your best defense against an impaired driver.
- If you are intoxicated and traveling on foot, the safest way to get home is to take a cab or have a sober friend or family member drive or escort you to your doorstep.
- Be responsible. If someone you know is drinking, do not let that person get behind the wheel.
For a complete list of participating departments click HERE.
For more Northwest Jersey’s News, tune into 92.7FM, 104.7FM, 1510AM, wrnj.com or on the TuneIn app.
By: Jay Edwards
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