Labor Day DWI Crackdown Will Actually Begin On Aug. 18, Point Pleasant Police Say

Point Pleasant police officers will be participating in the annual "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" Labor Day crackdown, Capt. Robert W. Lokerson said.

And they are not waiting for Labor Day weekend. The statewide initiative will actually begin on Aug. 18 and run through Sept. 4.

"During the campaign, Point Pleasant Police officers will conduct roving patrols, targeting motorists who may be driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs, he said.

“Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” is a national campaign designed to highlight the dangers of drinking and driving through high-visibility enforcement.

“Despite years of enforcement and public awareness efforts, too many people still make the unfortunate decision to get behind the wheel while impaired. Nearly 30% of all motor vehicle fatalities in New Jersey are alcohol related,” said Gary Poedubicky, Acting Director of the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety. “This is a zero tolerance campaign. If drivers are caught operating their vehicle while impaired they will be arrested.”

The two-week campaign is funded by grants from the state Division of Highway Traffic Safety. Participating agencies made 1,649 DWI arrests during last year's crackdown.

Please remember:

If you plan to drink, designate a driver, someone who will not drink alcohol, before going out.

Take mass transit, a taxi or ask a sober friend to drive you home.

Spend the night where the activity is held.

Always buckle up, every ride, regardless of your seating position in the vehicle. It’s your best defense against an impaired driver.

If you’re 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 you to your doorstep.

Photo: Patch file photo