Law enforcement officials from the Borough of Woodland Park 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. From Dec. 3, 2021 to Jan. 1, 2022, local, county 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 more than 35,000 alcohol-related crashes resulting in 618 fatalities," said Chief John Uzzalino. “This is a critical law enforcement program that can save lives during a time of the year when social gatherings with alcohol increases the risk of impaired driving.”
Last year, 23% of all motor vehicle fatalities in New Jersey were alcohol-related. Nationally, 10,142 people died in drunk driving crashes. The societal cost associated with these crashes is estimated to be $44 billion annually.
Law enforcement agencies participating offer the following advice for the holiday season:
• Take mass transit, use a taxi or ask a sober friend to drive you home.
• The safest way to get home is to take a cab or have a sober friend or family member drive you home
• Always wear your seatbelt, regardless of your seating position in the vehicle.
• Spend the night where the activity is held
• If you’re intoxicated and traveling by foot, wear bright-colored or reflective clothing.
• Be responsible, if someone you know is drinking, do not let that person get behind the wheel.
Law enforcement encourages motorists to report drivers who appear to be impaired or who are driving aggressively. Using a hands-free device, drivers in New Jersey can dial #77 to report such activity to law enforcement. Your actions may save someone’s life. Together we can make New Jersey’s roads a safer place.