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:
Monmouth County Police Departments have been given grants to target drunk or impaired drivers this holiday season as part of a statewide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” initiative, warned Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni and Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden.
The “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” initiative focuses on mobilizing police departments across the state during the holiday season in an effort to raise awareness about the dangers of drunk and impaired driving through concentrated enforcement activities. The 2012 holiday season “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” initiative resulted in 1,555 Driving While Intoxicated arrests statewide, with 42 of those arrests taking place in Monmouth County, between December 7, 2012 and January 2, 2013.
“The statistics are sobering enough. The holidays are a time to create lasting memories with your family and friends, not destroy family and friends who will be forced to recall the horrific death of a loved one who wasn’t sober and got behind the wheel of a vehicle,” Gramiccioni said.
“No family should have to face the death of another family member during the holiday season, or any time of the year for that matter. The message is clear: ‘Don’t Drink and Drive’, so the ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’ initiative should simply resonate with anyone who operates any motor vehicle this holiday season,” said Golden.
For the cost of a dinner or another round, get a ride home. You might be drunker than you think:
