Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office Participates In “Drive Sober Or Get Pulled Over” Campaign
Monmouth County: Sheriff Shaun Golden is urging people to “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” as law enforcement officers are putting the brakes on drunk drivers throughout the holiday season, beginning December 3 through Jan. 1.
“We want everyone to have a happy and safe holiday season. As a result, law enforcement will be cracking down and on the lookout for impaired drivers. Therefore, if you are going to drink, don’t drive,” said Sheriff Shaun Golden. “Patrols are being increased and sobriety checks will be set up throughout Monmouth County where motorists will be stopped in an effort to maintain the utmost of safety.”
The national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” holiday campaign is a nationwide effort to raise awareness about the dangers of impaired driving through enforcement and education.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2019 there were 10,142 deaths from drunk driving crashes, with crashes occurring more frequently during the Christmas and New Year’s Day holiday periods that year than during any other holiday period.
That same year in New Jersey, crashes involving drunk drivers accounted for nearly 25 percent of all traffic crash fatalities, claiming the lives of 129 people.
“Any fatality or crash on our roads is one too many,” said Sheriff Golden. “Enforcing the law and educating the public about the dangers of drinking and driving raises awareness and helps keep our roadways safer.”
In an effort to avoid presenting a danger to yourself or others, it’s important to follow these safety tips:
- Before going out, designate a driver who will not consume any alcohol the entire night.
- DO NOT DRIVE if you are impaired. Call a cab, an Uber, a sober friend or family member.
- If you don’t have a ride, stay where you are.
- If you live nearby, do not attempt to walk or ride a bicycle home.
- Be responsible. If you see someone about to get behind the wheel or on a motorcycle after they have been drinking, take their keys and find them a ride with someone who is sober.
- Always buckle up, every ride. It’s your best defense against an impaired driver.
- Under no circumstances should adults provide alcohol to a minor or allow anyone under 21 to consume alcohol while at their home.
Five law enforcement agencies in Monmouth County received grants for this program from the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety.
For a downloadble copy of this press release, click here: News Release -MCSO Cracks Down on Impaired Drivers This Holiday Season