BY KATHY CHANG
Staff Writer
EDISON — The Edison Police Department is cracking down on drivers impaired by alcohol and drugs as part of the national annual end of year “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” statewide campaign.
The campaign runs from Dec. 9 to Jan. 1, 2017. Local and state law enforcement officials will conduct saturation patrols and sobriety checkpoints looking for motorists who may be driving while intoxicated.
The “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” effort led by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration endeavors to raise awareness about the dangers of impaired driving through a combination of high-visibility enforcement and public education.
The Edison Police Department has participated in the campaign for several years.
“Our officers are routinely vigilant about enforcing motor vehicle and traffic safety laws,” said Police Chief Thomas Bryan. “This becomes more imperative throughout the holiday season with parties, celebrations and family functions an almost daily occurrence.”
He said they want people who live and work in Edison to have a safe and healthy holiday season.
“Wherever people are coming from or going, we just want them to arrive there alive,” said Bryan, explaining his officers will be conducting saturation patrols and sobriety checkpoints for motorists who may be driving while under the influence.
Edison received a $5,000 grant from the N.J. Division of Highway Traffic Safety to participate in the annual enforcement effort.
According to division statistics, there were 41,000 alcohol-related accidents on state highways and roads last year resulting in more than 800 deaths, and 29-percent of all motor vehicle fatalities in New Jersey were alcohol-related.