Police departments throughout the State of New Jersey are preparing for their annual crackdown on drunk driving over the upcoming Labor Day Weekend.
The increased DUI enforcement in New Jersey is part of a nationwide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign being run by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” is a national campaign designed to prevent drunk driving by raising awareness about the dangers of driving under the influence through high-visibility enforcement, as well as educational activities.
The program began on August 18th in New Jersey and will run through September 4th with police especially focusing on enforcing drunk driving laws over the Labor Day weekend.
To learn more about the Drive Sober or Get Pulled over campaign go to the official website of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration here.
How Is This Campaign Funded?
Every year the NHTSA provides grants to local police agencies throughout the state of New Jersey to help fund the two-week campaign.
A total of 190 police departments in New Jersey received grants this year that totaled over $1,005,840. Each police departments received anywhere from $1,760 to $7,500 in grant funding this year with most police departments receiving $5,500.
For a full list of the police departments in New Jersey that received a grant for the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” initiative, click here.
Details Of New Jersey DUI Crackdown Initiative
According to a press release from the official Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign, “The key to deterring impaired driving is highly visible enforcement. Prevention and not arrest is the goal.”
Local and state law enforcement officers will be increasing DUI enforcement efforts by conducting sobriety checkpoints in combination with additional roving patrol vehicles looking out for drunk drivers.
According to data, 1,649 DWI arrests were made by participating law enforcement agencies in New Jersey during last year’s initiative.
“Despite years of enforcement and public awareness efforts, too many people still make the unfortunate decision to get behind the wheel while impaired. Nearly 30% of all motor vehicle fatalities in New Jersey are alcohol related,” said Gary Poedubicky, acting Director of the NJ Division of Highway Traffic Safety.
“This is a zero tolerance campaign. If drivers are caught operating their vehicle while impaired they will be arrested,” he added.
Suggestions From Law Enforcement Agencies In New Jersey
Law enforcement agencies participating in the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over 2017 crackdown offer the following advice:
- If you plan to drink, designate a driver, someone who will not drink alcohol, before going out.
- Take mass transit, a tax,i or ask a sober friend to drive you home.
- Spend the night where the activity is held.
- Always buckle up, every ride, regardless of your seating position in the vehicle. It’s your best defense against an impaired driver.
- If you’re 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 you to your doorstep.
For more information on the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign in New Jersey visit NJ.gov.
Arrested On DUI Charges Over Labor Day Weekend?
If you or a loved one are facing DUI charges in New Jersey then you should consult an experienced DWI defense attorney immediately to learn about your legal options.
The team of award-winning lawyers at Levow DWI Law, P.C. have successfully defended drivers facing DUI charges throughout the State of New Jersey over the years.
We encourage you to give us a call for a free consultation with an experienced DUI lawyer who can help you determine your legal options.
