As Labor Day weekend gets nearer and nearer, more people are driving to the Jersey Shore to soak up the sun and get the most out of summer before the season ends. However, with the highways, including the Garden State Parkway and Atlantic City Expressway, getting more congested with beachgoers comes additional traffic and DWI patrols.
In a recent announcement, 110 police departments throughout the state of New Jersey will be divvying out $540,000 in overtime grants as part of the semi-annual “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign. This year’s campaign will officially take place from Friday, August 23, to Tuesday, September 3, 2019, and the OT grants will be used for a statewide crackdown on drivers under the influence of drugs and alcohol. In addition to the 110 NJPDs receiving grant money, over 300 other departments not receiving additional funding will also be joining the charge.
The Consequences of Driving While Intoxicated
Common sense dictates that driving requires vigilance and sobriety; however, inebriated individuals frequently lose their common sense and get behind the wheel, putting themselves and other motorists in danger. In fact, DWIs contributed to over a quarter of the 591 fatal car crashes in New Jersey in 2017 and the deaths of 174 people. In response to such disturbing figures, last year’s summer and holiday season initiatives showed NJ drivers that the police were not going to let intoxicated and distracted drivers stay on the road for long.
Here are the figures from last year’s summer campaign:
Although this campaign is focused on deterring motorists from driving while intoxicated, distracted driving, speeding, and even seatbelt violations will also be scrutinized more heavily in the coming weeks. So, stay safe and sober, and enjoy the summer sun!
At the Law Offices of Vincent J. Ciecka, we are well aware of the dangers associated with intoxicated and distracted drivers and seek to represent those who have been in car crashes in New Jersey. For more information, give us a call or fill out a contact form today!
