Holiday Crackdown On Impaired Driving: Monmouth County Sheriff

FREEHOLD, NJ — As we are getting closer to the holidays - and holiday celebrations, Monmouth County law enforcement will encourage safety on the road with increased patrols.

Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden announced the county's “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” initiative is now in effect.

“We want everyone to have a happy and safe holiday season. As a result, law enforcement will be cracking down and on the lookout for impaired drivers. Therefore, if you are going to drink, don’t drive,” said Golden.

He said patrols are being increased and sobriety checks will be set up throughout Monmouth County where motorists will be stopped in an effort to maintain the utmost of safety.

The national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” holiday campaign is a nationwide effort to raise awareness about the dangers of impaired driving through enforcement and education and lasts throughout the month of December to Jan. 1.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2020 there were 11,654 deaths from drunk driving crashes. Of the 697 people killed in traffic crashes in New Jersey last year, 125 were killed due to a drunk driver.

“Any fatality or crash on our roads is one too many,” said Golden. “Enforcing the law and educating the public about the dangers of drinking and driving raises awareness and helps keep our roadways safer.”

In an effort to avoid presenting a danger to yourself or others, it’s important to follow these safety tips:

• Before going out, designate a driver who will not consume any alcohol the entire night.
• Do not drive if you are impaired. Call a cab, an ride service, a sober friend or family member.
• If you don’t have a ride, stay where you are.
• If you live nearby, do not attempt to walk or ride a bicycle home.
• Be responsible. If you see someone about to get behind the wheel or on a motorcycle after they have been drinking, take their keys and find them a ride with someone who is sober.
• Always buckle up, every ride. It’s your best defense against an impaired driver.
• Under no circumstances should adults provide alcohol to a minor or allow anyone under 21 to consume alcohol while at their home.