SOMERVILLE, N.J. — As part of the nationwide effort to combat impaired driving, the Somerset and Hunterdon County law enforcement agencies will be participating in the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign. The high-visibility enforcement campaign, running from August 14 through September 2, aims to reduce impaired driving incidents and prevent tragedies during the Labor Day holiday weekend.
The campaign comes in response to alarming statistics from the 2022 Labor Day holiday period. During this time, 490 traffic fatalities occurred across the country, with 39% (190) involving a drunk driver. Notably, a quarter of those fatalities involved drivers with blood alcohol concentrations (BAC) nearly twice the legal limit. Among drivers aged 18 to 34 who were killed in crashes over the holiday, 47% were found to be driving with a BAC of .08 or higher.
“We want our community members to understand that it’s our first priority to keep people safe, so we’re asking everyone to plan ahead if they know they’ll be out drinking,” said Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald. “The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign is an awareness effort to get the message out that drunk driving is illegal, and it takes lives. Let’s make this a partnership between law enforcement and drivers: Help us protect the community and put an end to this senseless behavior.”
Prosecutor McDonald emphasized the importance of planning ahead. Drivers who intend to drink should arrange for a designated sober driver or use a taxi or rideshare service to ensure they get home safely. If a driver is impaired, they should hand over their keys to a sober individual. Friends are encouraged to intervene if they notice someone is planning to drive after drinking.
Residents are also urged to report any suspected drunk drivers by dialing 911. For more information on the dangers of impaired driving and the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, visit NHTSA’s website.
