The Medford Township Police Department will be cracking down on drunk drivers as part of the annual holiday season “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” statewide campaign.
Beginning Dec. 12 and running through Jan. 2, police officers will conduct saturation patrols looking for motorists who may be driving while intoxicated.
A concentrated national effort, the campaign helps to raise awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving through high-visibility enforcement and public education tools.
“This is a critical traffic safety program that will help keep township roadways safe during the holiday season,” said Chief Meder. He added, “This initiative will educate the motoring public as to the consequences of choosing to drink and drive.”
In December 2012 there were 830 people killed in crashes involving at least one driver or motorcycle operator with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher.
Twenty-six of those deaths occurred on Christmas Day. On average, 31 percent of all crash fatalities in America involves drunk driving. On Christmas Day 2012, the percentage jumped to 36 percent.
Law enforcement agencies participating in the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over
Holiday Statewide Crackdown offer the following advice:
- Take mass transit, a taxicab, or ask a sober friend to drive you home.
- Spend the night where the activity is held.
- If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact law enforcement. Your actions may save someone’s life, and inaction could cost a life.
- Always buckle-up, every ride. It’s your best defense against an impaired driver.
- If you are 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 or escort you to your doorstep.
- Be responsible. If someone you know is drinking, do not let that person get behind the wheel.
