By John Tredrea, Special Writer
LAMBERTVILLE — The city’s police department will be cracking down on drunken drivers from Aug. 17 through Sept. 3 as part of the summer 2012 “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign.
”Drunken or impaired driving enforcement is one of the primary functions of the Lambertville Police Department,” said Lambertville Police Director Bruce Cocuzza on Monday.
”It directly impacts public safety and truly saves lives. We will be out in force looking for anyone reckless enough to operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or other substance,” the director said.
”Even one drink can impair your judgment and reaction time, putting not only yourself, but everyone on the road in danger,” said the director.
During the campaign, local and state law enforcement officials will conduct roving patrols and 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 drunken driving during some of the busiest travel times of the year, including the Labor Day holiday period.
Director Cocuzza said law enforcement agencies participating in the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” crackdown offer the following advice:
— Take mass transit, a taxicab, 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 No. 77 on their cell phones to report a drunken driver.
— Always buckle-up, 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 or escort you to your doorstep.
