Township Police Join Campaign Against Drunk Drivers

Princeton Township will join law enforcement officers around the state in an upcoming crackdown on drunk drivers as part of the summer 2011 “Over the Limit, Under Arrest” campaign.

From August 19 through September 5, officers will conduct sobriety checkpoints and look for motorists who may be driving while intoxicated. 

The concentrated national effort will help raise awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving through high-visibility enforcement and public education tools, including posters, banners and mobile video display signs.

The program was launched nationally in 1999.

“Many people believe that after just a few drinks,  they’re safe to drive,” said Gary Poedubicky, acting director of the Division of Highway Traffic Safety. “Even one drink can impair your judgment and reaction time, putting not only yourself, but everyone on the road, in danger.” 

The Division of Highway Traffic Safety provides grants to local law enforcement agencies throughout the state to run the two-week campaign. 

In 2009 in New Jersey, 149 people were killed as a result of alcohol-related crashes- 25 percent of the 583 traffic deaths reported in the state. 

Here are some tips from the Over the Limit campaign: 

• 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. 
• Report impaired drivers to law enforcement. In New Jersey, drivers may dial #77 to report a drunk or aggressive driver. 
• 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.