The statewide crackdown will take place from Aug. 18 to Sept. 4.
MORRIS COUNTY - Police departments in New Jersey are gearing up for a crackdown on impaired driving later this month.
The "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" crackdown is scheduled to begin Aug. 18 and end Sept. 4. During the course of the campaign, local and state law enforcement officers will conduct sobriety checkpoints and roving patrols targeting motorists who may be driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
"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 percent of all motor vehicle fatalities in New Jersey are alcohol related," said Gary Poedubicky, Acting Director of the NJ Division of Highway Traffic Safety. "This is a zero tolerance campaign. If drivers are caught operating their vehicle while impaired they will be arrested."
"Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" is a national campaign designed to raise awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving through high-visibility enforcement backed up by educational activities including national radio and television advertisements, posters, banners and mobile video display signs.
The campaign looks to curtail impaired driving during the busy summer travel season, including the Labor Day holiday period.
As part of the initiative, the Division of Highway Traffic Safety provides grants to local police agencies throughout the state to run the two-week campaign. Participating agencies made 1,648 DWI arrests during last year's crackdown.
Law enforcement agencies participating in the 2017 campaign offer the following advice:
- 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, even if you were walking.
- 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.
The following police departments have announced their participation in the crackdown: Chester, Hanover, Rockaway Township, and, in Sussex County, Sparta. More departments are expected to release their announcements later this month.
Justin Zaremba may be reached at jzaremba@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JustinZarembaNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
