(Trenton)
- Attorney General Peter C. Harvey and
Division of Highway Traffic Safety Director
Roberto Rodriguez today announced that1,583
drunk drivers in New Jersey got the message
from law enforcement during the‘You
Drink and Drive, You Lose’ statewide
crackdown that ran from August 19th to
September 5th, 2005. That was the number
of Driving While Intoxicated arrests made
during the two-week campaign by 382 participating
police agencies throughout New Jersey.
Of those agencies, 100 received Division
grants to cover the cost of staffing DWI
checkpoints and patrols. The balance participated
without grant assistance in taking a zero
tolerance approach to Drunk Drivers. The
Division also utilized the most extensive
paid media campaign to reach the public
with its message.
“With
a relentless posture by law enforcement,
those who would drink and drive must now
think twice before making that deadly
and irresponsible choice,” said
Attorney General Harvey. “Our office
will continue to partner with police agencies
throughout the State to stop impaired
drivers, with a special emphasis on the
underage drinking driver.”
“This represents the most comprehensive
impaired driving crackdown and the results
were impressive,” said Director
Rodriguez. “Alcohol-related fatalities
declined for the second straight year,
but with more than 17,000 impaired driving
deaths nationwide in 2004, there is still
much work to be done. New Jersey law enforcement
is clearly committed to reducing impaired
driving injuries and fatalities.”
During the two-week crackdown, a total
of 50,665 summonses were issued for DWI,
speeding, seat belt compliance and other
citations.
97% of those surveyed indicate that impaired
driving is a major threat to themselves
and their families and a clear majority
of Americans support tougher drunk driving
laws. The National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration estimates that three out
of 10 Americans will be involved in an
impaired driving crash at some point in
their lifetime.
With a successful 2005 ‘You Drink
and Drive, You Lose’ crackdown,
the momentum is now in place for ongoing
DWI enforcement on a year-round basis.
If you are under 21, it is illegal to
purchase or consume alcohol in New Jersey.
Young drivers who are under the influence
of alcohol have, too often, been involved
in tragic fatal crashes in the Garden
State. Division Director Rodriguez says
that through continued public education
and strict enforcement, those young motorists
can make the right decision and fulfill
their potential as safe and responsible
drivers.
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