Statewide Drunk Driving Crackdown Starts Tonight

The Cedar Grove and Verona Police Departments will be participating in the impaired driving enforcement campaign “Over the Limit Under Arrest 2011 Statewide Crackdown” starting tonight.

This impaired driving enforcement crackdown will take place between the dates of Aug. 19 through Sept. 5. During the campaign, Cedar Grove Officers will be out in full force to detect, arrest and prosecute any motorist found to be operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcoholic beverages. A $4,400 Grant from the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety will be utilized to increase evening patrols during the project period.      

A concentrated national effort, the “Over the Limit Under Arrest” program helps to raise awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving through high visibility enforcement and public education tools, including posters and banners.  Launched nationally in 1999, the program works to combat drunk driving during some of the busiest travel times of the year, including the summer months.   

In 2009 in New Jersey, 149 people were killed as a result of alcohol related crashes.  This number represents 25 percent of the 583 traffic fatalities reported in the state that year.      

The Cedar Grove Police Department is offering the following advice during the “Over the Limit Under Arrest 2011 Statewide Crackdown”:

• If you plan to drink, designate a driver, someone who will not drink, before going out.

• Realize that every drink you have makes it more difficult to know when you’ve had too much to drive.

• If you plan to drink, take mass transit, a taxi, or ask a sober friend to drive you home.

• If you’ve have too much to drink, spend the night where the activity is being held.

• Always buckle up – it’s your best defense against an impaired driver.

Verona Police Captain Mitchell Stern said Friday that Verona police will also be stepping up DUI enforcement patrols.

"We're very aware of the extra traffic that will be on the road, especially during Labor Day Weekend, and we'll be stepping up enforcement. There will be zero tolerance for drinking and driving."