New Jersey Drunk Driving Crackdown to Prevent Holiday Accidents
Tis the season of good cheer, mistletoe and unfortunately, also a heightened risk of auto accidents in New Jersey. Our state’s already congested highways and roads will play host to an increasing number of intoxicated drivers, especially as the end of the year, nears.
Law enforcement in New Jersey however, will not be waiting till the Christmas Eve to make sure that drivers are aware of the state’s zero tolerance policy toward drunk driving. The annual anti-drunk driving “Over the Limit. Under Arrest” campaign kicked off on the 7th of December. The campaign will run through the 3rd of January next year, with hundreds of saturation patrols and DUI checkpoints across the state.
What has always impressed me as a New Jersey drunk driving accident lawyer is that this campaign does not focus only on enforcement activities, but also combines education and awareness initiatives. Across New Jersey, there will be mobile display signs, anti drunk driving posters and banners to alert drivers to the dangers of drunk driving. According to Pam Fischer, who is the director of the New Jersey Division of Traffic Safety, drunk driving increases by nearly 10 percent during the December holiday season.
As a New Jersey personal injury lawyer, I can’t stress the following enough, as you get in to the holiday mood.
- If you intend to spend an evening out drinking, plan how you will get home ahead of time. This can include
- Having a friend drive you home
- Hiring a cab
- Using mass transit to get home
- Hiring one of the designated driver services that have been cropping up all across New Jersey. Look these up on the internet to find a designated driving service close to you.
- If you are going to be partying someone’s place, see if you can spend the night over to sleep off the alcohol before you get back home
- If you see a drunk driver on the streets, report it immediately. You just might save someone’s life.
