Point Boro Police: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over

Law enforcement officers in Point Borough are cracking down on drunk drivers as part of the annual holiday season “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” statewide campaign.

Until Jan. 2, local and state law enforcement officials will conduct saturation patrols and sobriety checkpoints, looking for motorists who may be driving while intoxicated.

While driving under the influence is something are routinely watching for and issuing summons for, this holiday season effort is more intensive since there tends to be more drinking during this time of year.

The Borough is able to intensify efforts due to the help of state funding and state law enforcement personnel supplementing Borough police resources.

“This critical law enforcement program can save lives during a time of the year when impaired driving historically increases by approximately 10 percent,” said Borough Police Chief Larry Williams. “This initiative, funded in full by state grant monies, brings attention to the serious consequences of drunk driving and the grave danger those who choose to drink and drive pose to the motoring public and pedestrians.” 

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.

Last year in New Jersey, 168 people were killed as a result of alcohol related crashes. That number represents 30 percent of the 556 traffic fatalities reported in the state in 2010.

Law enforcement agencies participating in the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” crackdown offer the following advice:

•           If you plan to drink, designate a driver, someone who will not drink alcohol, before going out.

•           Take mass transit, a taxi or ask a sober friend to drive you home.

•           Spend the night where the activity is held.

•           Report impaired drivers to law enforcement. In New Jersey, drivers may dial #77 to report a drunk or aggressive driver.

•           Always buckle up for every ride; it’s your best defense against an impaired driver.

•           If you’re 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 you to your doorstep.

Motorists are also asked to subscribe to the pledge of the Ensign John R. Elliot HERO Campaign for Designated Drivers: Drive sober, be a designated driver and don’t let friends drive drunk.  Under the effort, local businesses and community groups, law enforcement agencies, and schools work together to keep drunk drivers off the road.

Started in New Jersey by the Elliot family, following the tragic death of their son, John, in a head-on collision with a drunk driver, the campaign has become a national model for preventing drunk driving.