Holiday Drunken Driving Crackdown Begins in Springfield

Law enforcement officials from Springfield Township will be cracking down on drunk drivers as part of the annual holiday season “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” statewide campaign, which began Friday. 

Through Thursday, Jan. 2, 2014, local and state law enforcement officials will conduct saturation patrols and sobriety checkpoints looking for motorists who may be driving while intoxicated.

A concentrated national effort, the campaign helps to raise awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving through high-visibility enforcement and public education tools, the department said.

“This is a critical law enforcement program that can save lives during a time of the year when impaired driving traditionally increases by nearly 10 percent," said Chief of Police John Cook.  “This initiative brings attention to the serious consequences of drunk driving and the grave danger those who choose to drink and drive pose to all who share the road with them.”

Last year in the Garden State, 19 percent of all motor vehicle fatalities were alcohol-related. Nationally, during the combined months of December in 2007-2011, 4,169 people were killed in drunk driving crashes.

Law enforcement agencies participating in the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over 20130 Year End Holiday Statewide Crackdown offer the following advice: 

• Take mass transit, a taxicab, or ask a sober friend to drive you home.
• Spend the night where the activity is held.
• If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact law enforcement. Your actions may save someone’s life, and inaction could cost a life. 
• Always buckle-up, every ride.  It’s your best defense against an impaired driver.

·      If you are intoxicated and traveling on foot, the safest way to get home is to take a cab or have a sober friend or family member drive or escort you to your doorstep.

·      Be responsible. If someone you know is drinking, do not let that person get behind the wheel.