Through Jan. 1, the department will have patrols to combat those who drive while intoxicated through Mt. Laurel.
As the end of the year gets closer, the Mt. Laurel Police Department is reminding residents the department has joined with other law enforcement agencies across the state to participate in this year’s “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” holiday drunk driving crackdown.
Sponsored through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the crackdown encourages law enforcement agencies on the state and local levels to conduct increased patrols and sobriety checkpoints through Jan. 1 to locate motorists who may be driving while intoxicated.
According to the department, there have been nearly 40,000 motor vehicle crashes in New Jersey involving alcohol in the last five years, with those crashes resulting in more than 750 fatalities.
In addition to the increased police activity, the department notes the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” effort also works to raise awareness regarding the dangers of impaired driving, with police officials noting impaired driving traditionally increases by close to 10 percent during the holiday season each year.
According to the department, New Jersey’s “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” year-end holiday crackdown for 2016 resulted in 1,605 DWI arrests.
In addition, the department notes that in 2016 there were 10,497 fatalities as a result of motor vehicle crashes with drivers who had a blood alcohol content of .08 or higher. According to the department, those crashes totaled 28 percent of all traffic fatalities for 2016.
Lt. Michael Rakauckas also reminds residents to do their part as well in safely planning during the holidays.
“We do assign additional patrols strictly for just enforcement during this campaign, but if you plan to drink, you should have a designated driver, someone who isn’t going to drink alcohol before going out,” Rakauckas said. “Ask a friend to drive you or even stay the night if possible where the event is happening.”
The Mt. Laurel Police Department is also offering residents the following advice for the holiday season to help avoid situations where someone might be encouraged to drive while intoxicated:
• When making plans for a trip or event this holiday season, make transportation arrangements part of those plans. Residents are advised to have a ride set up to and from any locations where they know they might be drinking alcohol.
• Locals are asking to consider mass transit, a taxicab, or asking a sober friend to drive them home if they know they will be drinking. Residents are advised to try to avoid traveling on foot.
• If a residents spot what is believed to be an impaired driver on the road, they should contact law enforcement. Such actions may save someone’s life, while police say inaction could cost a life.
• Residents are asked to remember to always buckle their seatbelts for every vehicle ride. Not only is it state law, but it’s the best defense against an impaired driver in another vehicle.
• Locals are asked to be a responsible friend or coworker to those they know. If a resident knows of another who has been drinking, police ask they do not let that person get behind the wheel. Instead, residents can act as responsible friends or coworkers by giving others a ride to their final destination.
