Drunken-driving crackdown to begin on Aug. 21
Law enforcement officials from the Aberdeen and Holmdel township police departments will be cracking down on drunk drivers as part of the summer 2009 Over the Limit, Under Arrest campaign.

Beginning Aug. 21 and running through Sept. 7, local and state law enforcement officials will conduct saturation patrols and sobriety checkpoints, looking for motorists who may be driving while intoxicated, according to press releases from the departments.

A concentrated national effort, the campaign helps to raise awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving through high-visibility enforcement and public education tools including posters, banners and mobile video display signs.

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.

"Many people think that after just a few drinks, they're safe to drive," said Pam Fischer, director of the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety in a press release. "Even one drink can impair your judgment and reaction time putting not only yourself but everyone on the road, in danger."

As part of the initiative, the Division of Highway Traffic Safety provides grants to local law enforcement agencies throughout the state to run the two-week campaign.

The Aberdeen Township Police Department has received a $6,000 grant to be used for overtime DWI enforcement details.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that nationally, drunk-driving fatalities accounted for 32 percent of all traffic deaths in 2008. Last year in New Jersey, 152 people were killed as a result of the 590 traffic fatalities reported in the state. In addition, 56 of those alcohol-related fatalities occurred during the summer travel season.

Fischer noted that in 2007, 205 people were killed as a result of alcohol-related crashes on New Jersey highways, representing 28 percent of the 724 traffic fatalities reported in the state. In addition, 82 of those 2007 alcohol-related fatalities occurred during the summer travel season.

"Thanks to stepped-up enforcement and continued public education, we have seen a decline in the number of alcohol-related fatalities in New Jersey," Fischer added. "But one life lost is too many, and we will continue to work tirelessly to protect all New Jersey motorists from the senseless tragedies associated with drunk driving."

Law enforcement agencies participating in the Over the Limit Under Arrest 2009 Statewide Crackdown offer the following advice:

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

• Take mass transit, a taxicab or ask a sober friend to drive you home.

• Spend the night where the activity is held.

• Report impaired drivers to law enforcement. In New Jersey, drivers may dial 77 on their cell phones to report a drunk or aggressive driver.

• Always buckle up for every ride regardless of your position in the vehicle. It's your best defense against an impaired driver.

• If you're 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 you to your doorstep.