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Local and statewide officers will conduct patrols and add checkpoints through the end of 2015 searching for drivers who may be intoxicated.
“This is a critical law enforcement program that can save lives during a time of the year when impaired driving traditionally increases by nearly 10 percent," said Haledon Lt. Angelo Daniele, who coordinated the borough's efforts. “People [who] choose to get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol or using drugs pose a grave danger to all roadway users and this initiative is designed to bring attention to this important issue.”
Last year, 27 percent of all motor vehicle fatalities in New Jersey were alcohol-related, Daniele said. Nationally, more than 10,000 people die each year in drunk driving crashes.
Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over is a national campaign run by National Highway Traffic Administration.
Haledon police offered the following tips to stay safe:
- If drinking, take mass transit, a taxi, 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.
- Wear a seatbelt.
- It's safer to find a ride than to walk home while intoxicated.
- If someone you know is drinking, do not let that person get behind the wheel.
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