Police Across Morris County Participating in Impaired Driving Enforcement Crackdown

Published on August 17, 2017

STARTS FRIDAY: Conducted Locally as Part of National Campaign

The Morris County Park Police and police agencies covering Morris County's 39 municipalities are gearing up for the state's largest annual drunk driving crackdown which begins tomorrow, Friday, Aug. 18.

(JPG, 21KB)The 2017 Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Statewide Labor Day Crackdown runs from Aug. 18 to Sept. 4. During the campaign, local and state law enforcement officers will conduct sobriety checkpoints and roving patrols targeting.

Despite years of enforcement and public awareness efforts, too many people still make the unfortunate decision to get behind the wheel while impaired.

"Nearly 30 percent of all motor vehicle fatalities in New Jersey are alcohol related, said Gary Poedubicky, Acting Director of the NJ Division of Highway Traffic Safety. This is a zero tolerance campaign. If drivers are caught operating their vehicle while impaired they will be arrested, he added.

photo of Freeholder Director Doug Cabana(JPG, 94KB) Morris County Freeholder Director Douglas Cabana

"On behalf of the entire Morris County Freeholder Board, I am asking all Morris County residents to be responsible when you get behind the wheel of your car or truck or motorcyle. It is a safety issue for all of our residents and visitors, and I certainly don't want to see you in my courtroom,'' said Freeholder Director Doug Cabana, who also is a municipal prosecutor.

Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over is a national campaign designed to raise awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving through high-visibility enforcement backed up by educational activities including national radio and television advertisements, posters, banners and mobile video display signs.

The campaign looks to curtail impaired driving during the busy summer travel season, including the Labor Day holiday period.DUI Checkpoint lighter sign at night(JPG, 10KB)

Morris County Park Police Chief Gabe DiPietro reminds drivers: Illegal drugs, including marijuana, and even legally prescribed pills, can lead to a charge of Driving While Intoxicated, if officers suspect a driver's impairment is due to being under the influence of one of these substances.

"It's certainly not just alcohol anymore, and over the past few years, we've seen a significant increase in Driving While Arrest charges stemming from narcotics.

photo shows police car in side mirror of car(JPG, 59KB)As part of the initiative, the Division of Highway Traffic Safety provides grants to local police agencies throughout the state to run the two-week campaign. During last year's crackdown, participating agencies made 1,649 DWI arrests.

Law enforcement agencies participating in the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over 2017 crackdown offer 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.
  • 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.
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