Caldwell Police Crack Down on Drinking and Driving During Holidays

Caldwell Police are participating in “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” a national effort to crack down on drinking and driving.

The campaign runs from Dec. 7 through Jan. 2 with local and state law enforcement officers conducting sobriety checkpoints and roving patrols. The goal is to look for drivers who may be intoxicated, while raising awareness about driving and driving through high-visibility enforcement.

“Driver Sober or Get Pulled Over” was launched nationally in 1999 and focuses on the busiest travel times of the year, such as the year-end holidays.

“Many people believe that after just a few drinks, they're safe to drive,” stated Gary Poeduebicky, Acting Director of the Division of Highway Traffic Safety, in a release. “Even one drink can impair your judgment and reaction time, putting not only yourself, but everyone on the road, in danger.”

Alcohol-impaired fatalities accounted for 20 percent of New Jersey’s motor vehicle fatalities in 2010, according to the Division of Highway Traffic Safety, which provided a grant to the Caldwell Police Dept. to run the campaign.

“Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” Campaign Tips

• If you plan to drink, make sure to designate a driver who agrees not to drink before you go out.
• Take the train, bus or a taxi.
• Plan to stay the night at the party.
• If you witness an impaired or aggressive driver, dial #77 and report him or her.
• Always wear a seat belt.