West New York police joining ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’ campaign

The West New York Police Department is joining the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign beginning on Friday and continuing through New Year’s Day. 

By John Heinis/Hudson County View

The national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” effort endeavors to raise awareness about the dangers of impaired driving through a combination of high-visibility enforcement and public education.

“During the last five years New Jersey has experienced nearly 40,000 alcohol involved crashes resulting in more than 750 fatalities,” West New York Mayor Felix Roque said in a statement.

“This is a critical law enforcement program that can save lives during a time of the year when impaired driving traditionally increases by nearly 10 percent.”

Beginning on December 8 and continuing through January 1, 2018, local and state law enforcement officials will conduct saturation patrols and sobriety checkpoints looking for
motorists who may be driving while intoxicated.

Last year, 20 percent of all motor vehicle fatalities in New Jersey were alcohol-related. Nationally, more than 10,000 people die each year in drunk driving crashes.

The costs associated with these crashes is estimated to be $37 billion annually.

“The West New York Police Department does an excellent job year-round to ensure that residents are safe,” added Roque.

“I look forward to a safe, healthy and joyful holiday season for all of our residents and
visitors.”

The West New York Police Department also offered the following advice:

• If you plan to drink, designate a driver, someone who will not drink alcohol, before going out. Take mass transit, a taxi or ask a sober friend to drive you home or spend the night where the activity is held.

• Always buckle up, every ride, regardless of your seating 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.

• Be responsible. If someone you know is drinking, do not let that person get behind the wheel of a vehicle – or if you see an impaired driver on the road, contact law enforcement, your actions may save someone’s life, and inaction could cost a life.