The will begin increasing drunk driving enforcement as part of the "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Campaign," which begins on August 17 and will run through Sept. 3, according to a police press release.
Local and state law enforcement officers will be conducting sobriety checkpoints and roving patrols looking for drivers who they suspect to be driving while intoxicated, the release said.
“Many people believe that after a few drinks they’re still safe to drive,” said Gary Poedubicky, Acting Director of the Division of Highway Traffic Safety. “Even one drink can impair your judgment and reaction time, putting not only yourself, but everyone on the road, in danger.”
Find out what's happening in Gallowaywith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The campaign is a national effort that was launched in 1999 and works specifically to combat drunk driving during some of the busiest travel times of the year, including Labor Day weekend, the release said.
20 percent of motor vehicle fatalities in 2010 were linked to alcohol impairment, according to the release.
Find out what's happening in Gallowaywith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Law enforcement agencies provided the following advice:
- If you plan to drink, designate someone who will not drink alcohol to be a driver before going out.
- Take a taxi, ask a sober friend, or take mass transit to travel home.
- Spend the night where the activity is held.
- Report impaired drivers to law enforcment by dialing #77, the number used in New Jersey to report drunk or aggressive drivers.
- Wear your seat belt.
- Taking a cab or having a sober friend or family member drive you home is safer than walking home while intoxicated.
