The CAMPAIGN MESSAGE from the Toms River PD
They thought of an interesting moment to announce this. So, if you're planning to spend the remaining days of summer celebrating, the Toms River Police Department has a message for you: Don't drink and drive.
The department is taking part in the annual statewide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, Toms River police spokesman Ralph Stocco said. Through Sept. 5, local and state law enforcement officers will conduct sobriety checkpoints and roving patrols, looking for motorists who may be driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
The Acting Director of the NJ Division of Highway Traffic Safety stated that: “Many people believe that after a few drinks they’re still safe to drive.” Mr. Gary Poedubicky added: “Even one drink can impair your judgment and reaction time, putting not only yourself, but everyone on the road, in danger.”
“There is a zero tolerance message for this campaign. If drivers are caught operating their vehicle while impaired they will be arrested,” he continued.
Recommendations after Worrying Data
This campaigns continue to repeat year after year because the progress is so small. The data is worrying. In 2013, alcohol-impaired fatalities accounted for 27 percent of New Jersey’s motor vehicle fatalities.
The department is offering the following advice, not only for the duration of the campaign but always:
- 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.
“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 public educational efforts 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.
Your Thoughts?
What is the effect of these campaigns? Are they really effective in decreasing the number of accidents due drunk driving? Also, what are your thoughts on drunk driving and should the sentences for drunk drivers should be more strict? Let us know in the comments below.
For all of your travel needs, call Exclusive Taxi and Car Service at 732-350-8294, or visit us on the web at www.exclusivetaxiandcarservice.com