Crime & Safety

Galloway Township Police To Participate In 'Drive Sober Or Get Pulled Over' Campaign

The police department received a grant to participate in this year's public awareness campaign.

GALLOWAY TOWNSHIP, NJ — Galloway Township police will participate in the 2017 “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign from Aug. 18 through Sept. 4, the police department announced on Monday. As part of the statewide campaign, local and state police will conduct DWI checkpoints and roving patrols that target drivers who have had too much too drink or may be under the influence of drugs.

“Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” is a national campaign started in 1999 that combats drunk driving during the busy summer travel season, including the Labor Day holiday period.

It is designed to raise awareness about the dangers of drunk driving through highly visible enforcement and educational activities that include national radio and television advertisements, posters, banners and mobile video display signs.

Find out what's happening in Gallowayfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

“Despite years of enforcement and public awareness efforts, too many people still make the unfortunate decision to get behind the wheel while impaired. Nearly 30 percent of all motor vehicle fatalities in New Jersey are alcohol related,” New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety Gary Poedubicky said. “This is a zero tolerance campaign. If drivers are caught operating their vehicle while impaired they will be arrested.”

Local police departments receive grants for the two-week long campaign. Last year, there were 1,649 DWI arrests statewide.

Find out what's happening in Gallowayfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

The Galloway Township Police Department provided the following tips:

  • If you plan to drink, designate a driver, someone who will not drink alcohol, before going out.
  • Take mass transit, a taxi or ask a sober friend to drive you home.
  • Spend the night where the activity is held.
  • Always buckle up, every ride, regardless of your seating position in the vehicle. It’s your best defense against an impaired driver.
  • If you’re 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 you to your doorstep.

Image via Shutterstock

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.