Holiday 'Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving' Campaign In Bayshore

HOLMDEL, NJ — Holmdel has joined other Bayshore area police in reminding the public this holiday weekend that "buzzed driving is drunk driving."

The Bayshore departments are made up of Aberdeen, Atlantic Highlands, Hazlet, Highlands, Holmdel, Keansburg, Keyport, Matawan, Middletown and Union Beach.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has the campaign to alert people to the dangers of even one drink before getting behind the wheel and the importance of planning for a sober ride.

"Unfortunately, too many people think that driving after a few drinks is acceptable. The numbers say otherwise: In 2020, more than 200 people were killed in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes over the 4th of July holiday period. That’s over 200 people who could have made it home if everyone had planned ahead for a sober ride," the NHTSA said in a news release.

"If you celebrate Independence Day with alcohol and decide to get behind the wheel of a vehicle, you aren’t just putting yourself in danger; you put everyone on the road at risk. Plan ahead for a safe and sober ride every time you drink. Stay safe for the people in your life."

According to NHTSA, 11,654 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes that involved an alcohol-impaired driver in 2020. That same year, 493 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes over the July 4th holiday period (6 p.m. July 2 to 5:59 a.m. July 6). Forty-one percent (201) of those fatalities occurred in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes.

With many Fourth of July festivities wrapping up in the evening or late at night, more cars will be on the roads at night. Over the 2020 July 4th holiday period, of the 201 people who died in alcohol-impaired motor vehicle traffic crashes, 85 percent of the fatalities occurred in nighttime crashes (6 p.m.–5:59 a.m.).

“We want everyone to have a safe, peaceful and enjoyable Fourth of July,” said Chief Robert Burton, Highlands Police Department. “That’s why we’re partnering with NHTSA to share the reminder that 'Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.' It is never okay to drink and drive — even after just a few drinks. There are so many options for a sober ride these days. So, plan ahead and make the right choice — if you’ll be drinking this Fourth of July, or any other day, arrange for a sober ride.”

Remember these tips for a safe Independence Day weekend:

• Remember that it is never okay to drink and drive. Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation or a ride service to get home safely.
• If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact Local Law Enforcement.
• See a friend who is about to drink and drive? Take the keys away and make arrangements to get your friend home safely.

Click here for more information on impaired driving.