Impaired Driving Enforcement Crackdown In Metuchen To Begin Dec.4

METUCHEN, NJ — The Metuchen Police Department will be cracking down on drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs as part of the annual end of year “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign.

Beginning Dec. 4 through Jan. 1, 2021, local and state law enforcement officials will conduct patrols and sobriety checkpoints looking for motorists who may be driving while intoxicated.

The “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” effort hopes to raise awareness about the dangers of driving under the influence.

“During the last five years New Jersey has experienced more than 36,000 alcohol involved crashes resulting in 648 fatalities," said Chief David Irizarry.

“This is a critical law enforcement program that can save lives during a time of the year when social gatherings with alcohol increase the risk of impaired driving.”

Last year, 22 percent of all motor vehicle fatalities in New Jersey were alcohol related. Nationally, 10,511 people died in 2018 in drunk driving crashes.

Law enforcement agencies participating in the campaign offer the following advice for the holiday season:

• Take mass transit, a taxicab, or ask a sober friend to drive you home.
• Spend the night where the activity or party 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.

Thank you for reading. Have a correction or news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com

Get breaking news alerts on your phone with our app. Download here. Sign up to get Patch emails so you don't miss out on local and statewide news.