Drunk Driving Crackdown Begins In Hightstown

EAST WINDSOR, NJ — Law enforcement agencies across the state, including Hightstown, are stepping up patrol in an effort to combat impaired driving in New Jersey.

The “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign begins Friday and runs through Sept. 4. It is part of a nationwide effort to reduce crash risks and raise awareness about impaired driving during the final stretch of summer.

HTS has awarded $616,770 in grant funding to 99 police agencies across the state to fund enhanced patrols and high-visibility sobriety checkpoints.

Hightstown has been granted $7,000 for the program.

“As drivers, we each hold a personal responsibility not only for our own safety but also for the safety of others and their families,” said Michael J. Rizol Jr., Director of the Division of Highway Traffic Safety. “Before taking the wheel, pledge to yourself and your community that you will never drive while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any substances that can compromise your abilities. Each responsible choice contributes to fostering safer roads and safeguarding those dear to us.”

During the 2022 campaign, law enforcement agencies made a total of 169 impaired driving arrests and issued 348 seatbelt tickets, 240 distracted driving tickets, and 804 speeding tickets.

Additionally, they wrote 609 other summonses for hazardous moving violations.