Holmdel - Law enforcement officials from Holmdel will be cracking down on drunk drivers as part of the summer 2009 (Over the Limit, Under Arrest) campaign. Beginning August 21 and running through September 7, local and state law enforcement officers will conduct sobriety checkpoints, looking for motorists who may be driving while intoxicated.
A concentrated national effort, the campaign helps to raise awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving through high-visibility enforcement and public education tools, including posters, banners and mobile video display signs. Launched nationally in 1999, the program works to combat drunk driving during some of the busiest travel times of the year, including the summer months.
"Many people believe that after just a few drinks, they're safe to drive," said Pam Fischer, 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."
As part of the initiative, the Division of Highway Traffic Safety provides grants to local law enforcement agencies throughout the state to run the two-week campaign.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that nationally, drunk-driving fatalities accounted for 32 percent of all traffic deaths in 2008. Last year in New Jersey, 152 people were killed as a result of alcohol-related crashes. That number represents 26 percent of the 590 traffic fatalities reported in the state last year. In addition, 56 of those alcohol-related fatalities occurred during the summer travel season.
Fischer noted that in 2007, 205 people were killed as a result of alcohol-related crashes on New Jersey's highways, representing 28 percent of the 724 traffic fatalities reported in the State. In addition, 82 of those 2007 alcohol-related fatalities occurred during the summer travel season.
"Thanks to stepped-up enforcement and continued public education, we have seen a decline in the number of alcohol-related fatalities in New Jersey." Fischer added. "But one life lost is one too many, and we will continue to work tirelessly to protect all New Jersey motorists from the senseless tragedies associated with drunk driving."
