Police departments throughout Gloucester County have begun cracking down on DWI violations in the days leading up to Labor Day.
More than a third of all traffic deaths on Labor Day in 2012 were caused by drunk driving crashes. Many of those fatal car accidents involved drivers with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .15 percent or higher.
In recognition of the dangers posed by the celebrations, parties, and other festivities involving alcohol that typically take place during Labor Day Weekend, local and state police departments are banding together and taking part in a nationwide campaign dubbed “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.”
The national campaign, which combines high-visibility enforcement of drunk driving laws with public education about the dangers posed by drunk driving, is aimed at preventing fatal DWI accidents.
The New Jersey State Police superintendent expressed his support for the campaign, which he hopes will send a message to NJ drivers that “driving drunk is totally inexcusable.”
Ten local police department in Gloucester County will be taking part in the Drive Sober campaign. The participating municipalities include Clayton, Deptford Township, Elk Township, Glassboro, Harrison Township, Mantua Township, Monroe Township, Washington Township, Westville, and Woodbury Heights.
The funding for these efforts comes from a grant by the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety. This extra funding will be used by police to provide extra patrols.
Anyone who is busted for driving drunk in New Jersey could face serious penalties, including loss of their driver’s license, heavy fines, and possible jail time.
For additional information, check out the NJ.com article entitled “NJ, Local Police Start Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Campaign.”
