Law enforcement officials 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.
Through Jan. 1, 2021, local and state law enforcement officials will conduct saturation patrols and sobriety checkpoints looking for motorists who may be driving while intoxicated.
The national 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 more than 36,000 alcohol involved crashes resulting in 648 fatalities, according to provided information. Last year, 22% of all motor vehicle fatalities in New Jersey were alcohol-related. Nationally, 10,551 died in 2018 in drunk driving crashes. The societal cost associated with these crashes is estimated to be $44 billion annually, according to the statement.
Law enforcement agencies participating in the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over 2020 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 you see an impaired driver on the road, contact law enforcement.
- Always buckle-up, every ride.
- 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.
