'Drive Sober' Anti-Drunk Driver Program Starts Dec. 6

Hackettstown Police will be cracking down on drunk drivers as part of their annual holiday season “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign.  Beginning Dec. 6 and running through Jan. 2, 2014, local and state law enforcement officers will conduct sobriety checkpoints and roving patrols, looking for intoxicated motorists.

A concentrated national effort, the campaign helps to raise awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving through high-visibility enforcement and public education tools. 

“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 Sgt. Darren Tynan.  “This initiative brings attention to the serious consequences of drunk driving and the grave danger those who choose to drink and drive pose to all who share the road with them.”

Last year in New Jersey, 19 percent of all motor vehicle fatalities were alcohol-related. Nationally, during the combined months of December in 2007-2011, there were 4,169 people killed in drunk driving crashes.

Law enforcement agencies participating in the statewide crackdown offer the following advice to stay safe:

• Take mass transit, a taxicab, or ask a sober friend to drive you home.
• Spend the night where the activity is held.
• If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact law enforcement. Your actions may save someone’s life, and inaction could cost a life.  
• Always buckle-up, every ride.  It’s your best defense against an impaired driver.
• If you are 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 or escort you to your doorstep.
• Be responsible. If someone you know is drinking, do not let that person get behind the wheel.