Golden: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over

Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden

As summer is coming to a close, law enforcement throughout Monmouth County is participating in the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign lead by the NJ Division of Highway Traffic Safety, according to Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden.

The campaign to crack down on drunk driving started last Friday and extends through Labor Day, September 7.

“We want everyone to enjoy the remainder of the summer, but, if you are going to drink, don’t drive, it’s as simple as that,” said Golden. “Law enforcement will be out in full force and on the lookout for drunk drivers.”

In an effort to avoid presenting a danger to yourself or others, it’s important to follow these safety tips:

Before going out, designate a driver who will not consume any alcohol.
DO NOT DRIVE if you are impaired. Call a cab, a sober friend or family member. If you don’t have a ride, stay where you are.
If you see someone about to get behind the wheel, or on a motorcycle, after they have been drinking, offer to find them a ride or alert your nearest law enforcement agency.

Under no circumstances should adults provide alcohol to a minor or allow anyone under 21 to consume alcohol while at their home.

In New Jersey, an individual is considered over the legal limit if he/she operates a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or greater. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in 2013, there were 542 fatalities on N.J. roadways, of them 146 involved alcohol impaired driving.

“Any fatality or crash on our roads is one too many,” said Sheriff Golden. “Enforcing the law and educating the public about the dangers of drinking and driving helps keep our roadways safer.”

Several law enforcement agencies throughout Monmouth County received grants for this program through the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety.