ERMA – Law enforcement officials from the Lower Township Police Department will crack down on drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs as part of the annual end of year “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” statewide campaign.
According to a police release, beginning Dec. 6, and continuing through Jan. 1, 2020, local and state law enforcement officials will conduct saturation patrols and sobriety checkpoints looking for motorists who may be driving while intoxicated.
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 nearly 37,000 alcohol involved crashes, resulting in more than 679 fatalities,” stated Chief William Mastriana. “This is a critical law enforcement program that can save lives during a time of the year when social gatherings with alcohol increase the risk of impaired driving.”
Last year, 20% of all motor vehicle fatalities in New Jersey were alcohol-related. Nationally, 10,511 people died in 2018 in drunk driving crashes. The societal cost associated with these crashes is estimated to be $44 billion annually.
Law enforcement agencies participating in the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over 2019 Year End Holiday Crackdown offer the following advice for the holiday season:
- Take mass transit, a taxicab, or ask a sober friend to drive you home.
- Spend the night where the activity or party is held.
- If an impaired driver is seen on the road, contact law enforcement. Those actions may save someone’s life, and inaction could cost a life.
- Always buckle-up, every ride. It is the best defense against an impaired driver.
- If intoxicated and traveling on foot, the safest way home is to take a cab, have a sober friend or family member drive, or have them escort the person to their doorstep.
- Be responsible. If someone is drinking, do not let that person get behind the wheel.
