Impaired Driving Checkpoint Planned At Site Of Fatal Crash Near Hoboken/Jersey City Border

HUDSON COUNTY, NJ – Local law enforcement agencies will run a drunk driving checkpoint Friday night into Saturday morning near an area on the Jersey City/Hoboken border that's been the scene of more than one fatal crash.

Most recently, a young actor and two other people were killed in October when an allegedly drunk driver crashed into them at a high rate of speed. READ MORE: Young Monmouth County Actor Dies In Crash; Driver Charged With DWI

Drunk driving took 129 lives in New Jersey in one year, including 13 people under 21.

The Hudson County Sheriff’s Office, with the assistance of the Jersey City Police Department and the Hoboken Police Department, will run the checkpoint near Paterson Plan Road and Hope Street from Friday, Dec. 29, at 10 p.m. through 3:30 a.m. Saturday morning.

Officers will look for signs that drivers are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

“The Hudson County Sheriff’s Office is committed to keeping the traveling public safe, which is why the primary purpose of this checkpoint is not to make arrests but to deter drivers from driving impaired,” said Sheriff Frank Schillari.

He added, “Impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs may also interfere with someone’s ability to safely operate a vehicle. The Sheriff’s Office will also have extra patrols throughout the county in an effort to curb driving while intoxicated while also taking part in the Hudson County Vision Zero Task Force in order to make all of our roadways safer.”

Sheriff Schillari also offers the following tips to help keep drivers and pedestrians safe this upcoming holiday season:

• Take mass transit, a taxicab, car service, or ask a sober friend to drive you home.
• Spend the night where the activity or party is held.
• If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact law enforcement. Your actions may save someone’s life, and an 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.