Hoboken police participating in ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’ campaign

The Hoboken Police Department began participating in the statewide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign to combat the drunk driving during the holiday season on Friday and will keep the endeavor going through New Year’s Day. 

By John Heinis/Hudson County View

Law enforcement officials from the City of Hoboken will be cracking down on drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs as part of the annual end of year “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” statewide campaign.

Local and state law enforcement officials will conduct saturation patrols and sobriety checkpoints looking for motorists who may be driving while intoxicated.

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.

“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,” Police Chief Kenneth Ferrante said in a statement.

“People that choose to get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol or using drugs pose a grave danger to all roadway users and this initiative is designed to bring attention to this important issue.”

In 2014, 27 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 societal costs associated with these crashes is estimated to be $37 billion annually, the city said in a news release.

Law enforcement agencies participating in the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over 2015 Year End Holiday Crackdown recommend spending the night at where the party is being held, contacting law enforcement if you see an impaired driver and to use mass transit, a taxi or a designated driver to arrive at your destination.

The West New York and North Bergen Police Departments are also involved with the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Campaign.”