(Trenton) - The State Police, as well as county and local police agencies, will be stepping up their enforcement efforts with roving and stationary patrols to get drunk drivers off the road on St. Patrick's Day, highway safety officials announced today.

"Whether you are meeting a few friends at a pub or attending a big party, never drive while impaired or let your friends drive impaired," said Division Director Roberto Rodriguez. "The penalties for DWI are severe and the consequences can be tragic and costly in the event of a crash. A drunk driver has no place on the roadways of New Jersey."

Impaired driving is one of America's deadliest problems. Nationwide, nearly 13,000 people were killed in 2004 in crashes where the Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of the driver was .08 or higher, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The legal threshold of intoxication for all states including New Jersey is .08.

To keep St. Patrick's Day celebrations safe, Rodriquez advised:

• If you're impaired, call a taxi, use mass transit or call a sober friend or family member to get you home safely
• Use your community's Sober Rides program
• Report impaired drivers to law enforcement
• Always buckle up - it's your best defense against an impaired driver

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