Statewide, New Jersey law enforcement are participating in a program that provides extra money to agencies so they can allocate extra resources toward identifying and stopping drunk drivers. According to the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office, sobriety checkpoints and extra patrols will begin Dec. 9, 2017, and run through Jan. 1, 2018. So far this year, alcohol-related fatalities have equaled 20 percent of the 572 total traffic deaths on state roadways.
In addition to these efforts, law enforcement agencies across the state hope that residents will get involved in reducing drunk driving deaths. They urge people to choose a designated driver or arrange for an alternative way home before drinking. Even deciding to walk home could be dangerous for someone who is drunk. When those who are impaired appear to be planning to drive, friends, family members or others should be ready to step in and take the keys or assist with transportation.
Driving-tests.org points out that there are ways sober drivers can improve their chances of avoiding a collision with a drunk driver. For example, they should not share the times and locations of checkpoints with those who are planning to drink. On weekend nights and the evenings before and after the holidays, people should try not to get out on the roads unless they have to, as the number of alcohol-impaired drivers on the roads is likely to be higher at these times.
The most important thing for people in New Jersey to remember before they get into their vehicles this holiday season? Wearing seat belts is the most effective way of preventing fatalities in any motor vehicle crash.