Mercer Times

With the winter holidays approaching, Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Highway Traffic Safety (HTS) have announced the launch of a statewide campaign titled "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over." This initiative aims to raise awareness about impaired driving and reduce crashes caused by drivers under the influence during the holiday season.

The campaign begins today and will run through January 1, 2025. Law enforcement agencies across New Jersey will enhance enforcement of impaired driving laws as part of this nationwide effort during one of the busiest travel periods.

To support these efforts, HTS has allocated grants totaling $732,400 to 130 law enforcement agencies. These funds will be used to cover overtime costs for saturation patrols and high-visibility sobriety checkpoints throughout New Jersey.

“Being a responsible driver is one of the simplest ways to ensure a safe and happy holiday season for everyone. Our Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign is aimed at raising public awareness and saving lives,” said Attorney General Platkin. “Drivers who put lives at risk by getting behind the wheel drunk or high will face serious consequences.”

Traffic fatalities remain a significant issue in New Jersey. Statistics from the New Jersey State Police reveal that last year, there were 574 fatal crashes on state roadways resulting in 606 deaths. In over 31 percent of these cases (182), drivers tested positive for alcohol or drugs.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that in 2022, out of 42,514 motor vehicle fatalities across the United States, more than 31 percent (13,524) involved alcohol-impaired driving.

“What makes these impaired driving fatalities so tragic is that they’re 100 percent preventable,” said Michael J. Rizol Jr., Director of the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety. “Our Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign provides law enforcement agencies throughout New Jersey with funding to help prevent these tragedies by targeting impaired drivers and removing them from the road so everyone can make it home safely during the holidays.”

Last year's campaign provided grants totaling $795,340 to 132 law enforcement agencies and resulted in significant enforcement actions including 603 impaired driving arrests.

For further information on this initiative, follow the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.