From August 16th to September 4th, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will partner with law enforcement agencies across New Jersey and the country for the 2023 “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign leading up to Labor Day.
This high-visibility enforcement effort focuses on locating drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs. Alongside sobriety checkpoints and roving patrols, the initiative will also employ various public education methods like posters, banners, mobile video displays, social media, radio spots, and TV ads to underscore the risks of impaired driving.
In the 2021 Labor Day timeframe, 531 crash fatalities occurred across the U.S., with a staggering 41% involving drunk drivers. That same year, every 39 minutes saw a person losing their life in a drunk-driving related incident, totaling 13,384 lives lost. These disconcerting numbers highlight the commitment of the South River Police Department in spreading awareness about impaired driving’s perils.
New Jersey’s DUI laws are stringent, and consequences severe, significantly impacting the lives of those convicted and their families, both financially and otherwise. For a comprehensive understanding, one can visit www.nj.gov/oag/hts/downloads/dui-bro-eng.pdf.
Key recommendations from law enforcement agencies engaged in the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” initiative include:
- Appointing a designated driver who won’t consume alcohol.
- After drinking, ensure a sober friend drives you, or make use of taxis and rideshare apps.
- Stay overnight at the event venue if possible.
- In New Jersey, to report a drunk or aggressive driver, you can dial #77.
- Consistently wear your seatbelt, no matter where you’re seated. This offers the best protection against drunk drivers.
- Show responsibility. If an acquaintance is intoxicated, don’t let them drive.
The national launch of this program was in 1999 to address the rise in impaired driving during peak travel times, such as Labor Day and year-end festivities. As a part of this program, the Division of Highway Traffic Safety grants funds to law enforcement bodies to facilitate the campaign’s smooth running.