Borough police will be cracking down on drunk drivers as part of the 2014 Labor Day “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign.
Through Sept. 1, Allentown police will conduct sobriety checkpoints and roving patrols, looking for motorists who may be driving while intoxicated, according to a news release from borough police.”Drive Sober of Get Pulled Over” is a national campaign designed 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 across the U.S. in 1999, the program works to combat drunk driving during the busy summer travel season, including the Labor Day holiday period.
”More than 10,000 people are killed in the United States each year in alcohol-impaired driving crashes. Drunk driving is reckless and preventable,” said Gary Poedubicky, acting director of the Division of Highway Traffic Safety in the news release. “During this campaign police agencies in New Jersey will be sending a clear message. If drivers are caught driving impaired they will be arrested.”
In 2013 alcohol-impaired fatalities accounted for 22 percent of New Jersey’s motor vehicle fatalities. 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.
Allentown police said those who plan to drink should designate a driver, someone who will not drink alcohol, before going out or take mass transit or a taxi home. Those who drink could also spend the night where the activity is being held.
Police said people should report impaired or aggressive drivers to law enforcement and can do so by dialing #77.
Those who do get in a car should always buckle up, according to police.
Finally, police warn against traveling by foot when intoxicated and suggest calling a sober friend or family member to get a ride home.

