New Brunswick Police Step Up Drunk Driving Patrols

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ — The holiday season is now officially in full swing, which means there is a much higher likelihood of drunk or buzzed drivers being on the roadways.

To that end, on Dec. 2 the New Brunswick Police Department will begin their annual end-of-year “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over."

Beginning Friday and continuing through January 1, police officers all across the state of New Jersey will conduct saturation patrols and sobriety checkpoints looking for those who may be driving while intoxicated.

Last year, 23 percent of all car crash fatalities in New Jersey were alcohol-related.

“During the last five years New Jersey has experienced more than 33,000 alcohol-involved crashes, resulting in 662 fatalities," said New Brunswick Police Deputy Director J.T. Miller. “This is a critical law enforcement program that can save lives during a time of the year when social gatherings with alcohol increase the risk of impaired driving.”

This Christmas season:

• Take mass transit, a taxicab, 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 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.