Red Bank PD Receives $6K State Grant For Holiday DWI Patrols

RED BANK, NJ - The Red Bank Police Department recently received a $6,000 grant from the Division of Highway Traffic Safety to be used for the state’s annual “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” holiday campaign. From now through Jan. 1, Red Bank residents can expect an increased volume of officers patrolling New Jersey roads looking for drunk and impaired drivers.

The annual campaign is part of a nationwide effort to reduce accident risks during the holidays. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ("NHTSA"), drunk driving crashes claim the lives of more than 10,000 people nationwide each year.

Of the 559 people killed in traffic crashes in New Jersey last year, nearly a quarter of them lost their lives in accidents involving drunk drivers.

"This has been a year of tremendous loss for New Jersey residents impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and we are all feeling especially grateful for the loved ones with us this holiday season," said Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal.

"Help ensure that everyone can safely celebrate this year by driving sober and unimpaired. Drunk driving crashes are tragic and preventable. We are stepping up patrols and enforcement to keep New Jersey roadways safe for all who use them this holiday season."

This year, the state’s Division of Highway Traffic Safety allocated $656,340 in grants to 114 law enforcement agencies across New Jersey. Other Monmouth County towns that also received funding include Allentown, Brielle and Englishtown.

Last year, the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over holiday campaign resulted in 1,380 DWI arrests (alcohol and/or drugs) statewide, with participating police agencies issuing 4,960 and 2,023 speeding and seat belt summonses, respectively. A number of departments reported noteworthy accomplishments, including 14 agencies making 13 or more DWI arrests during the campaign.

“Our mission is to ensure that travelers on New Jersey roadways reach their destinations safely – especially during the holiday season when crash risks increase,” said Eric Heitmann, the director of the state’s Division of Highway Traffic Safety.

“We pursue this mission through programs like Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over that raise public awareness of the dangers of impaired driving and provide law enforcement with funding for enhanced enforcement. This season, make sure a designated driver is part of your holiday celebration plans. Anyone driving under influence can count on encountering a law enforcement presence on the State’s roadways.”