By Lea Kahn. Staff Writer
Lawrence Township and South Brunswick Township police officers are joining their counterparts statewide as they take part in the annual Labor Day “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, which runs from Aug. 21 to Sept. 7.
Police are going to conduct sobriety checkpoints and roving patrols, looking for motorists who may be driving while intoxicated during the campaign. The national campaign aims to raise awareness of the dangers of drinking and driving through high-visibility enforcement and public education tools, such as posters, banners and mobile video display signs.
“South Brunswick police will have over 100 hours of targeted enforcement focused on impaired drivers over these last few weeks of summer,” Police Chief Raymond Hayducka said. This summer, 11 motorists were arrested in South Brunswick Township for driving under the influence.
Gary Poedubicky, the acting director of the state’s Division of Highway Traffic Safety, said that more than 10,000 people die in the United States every year in alcohol-impaired motor vehicle accidents. Those types of accidents accounted for 27 percent of New Jersey’s motor vehicle fatalities in 2013.
Police advise picking a designated driver who won’t drink alcohol when going out. They also suggest taking mass transit or a taxi, or calling a sober friend to drive you home. Staying overnight where the event is being held is another option.
Suspected drunk drivers should be reported to police by dialing #77. Always wear a seatbelt, because it’s the best defense against an impaired driver, police said.
