Holmdel Police Want You...To Drive Sober Or Stay Out Of Town

HOLMDEL, NJ - Anyone who has ever driven over the dark and hilly streets of suburban Holmdel know it can be quite a challenge for the most sober driver. But throw in the distractions of guests walking along the side of the road to get to a neighbor's party, empty Christmas boxes blowing across the street or the hypnotic effect of some Holiday displays and well, it is a potential ticket in the making. Or Worse.

Holmdel Police want to emphasize that by announcing in plenty of time for potential impaired drivers to make alternate arrangements that they will be hitting the streets looking for you: the person who had one too many.

Law enforcement officials from Holmdel 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” statewide campaign.

It is already under way, said authorities, noting they started last week. Beginning Dec. 8 and continuing through Jan. 1, 2018, local and state law enforcement officials will conduct saturation patrols and sobriety checkpoints looking for motorists who may be driving while intoxicated.

The national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” effort endeavors to raise awareness about the dangers of impaired driving through a combination of high-visibility enforcement and public education.

“During the last five years, New Jersey has experienced nearly 40,000 alcohol-involved crashes resulting in more than 750 fatalities," said Chief John Mioduszewski in a release. “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.”

Last year, 20% of all motor-vehicle fatalities in New Jersey were alcohol-related. Nationally, more than 10,000 people die each year in drunk driving crashes, police said. The societal cost associated with these crashes is estimated to be $37 billion annually.

Law enforcement agencies participating in the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over 2017 Year End Holiday Crackdown 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.

Holmdel Police are serious about taking impaired drivers off the road. Image via Shutterstock.