Riverside Police Participating in Impaired Driving Crackdown
Riverside Police will be cracking down on drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs as
part of the annual end of year “Drive
Sober or Get Pulled Over” statewide campaign. Beginning
December 11, 2015 and continuing through January 1, 2016, local and state
law enforcement officials will conduct saturation patrols and sobriety
checkpoints looking for motorists who may be driving while intoxicated.
The
national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over”
effort endeavors to raise awareness about the dangers of impaired driving through
a combination of high-visibility enforcement and public education. This is a critical law enforcement program that can save
lives during a time of the year when impaired driving traditionally increases
by nearly 10 percent. People that choose to
get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol or using drugs pose a grave danger
to all roadway users and this initiative is designed to bring attention to this
important issue.
Last year, 27% of all motor
vehicle fatalities in New Jersey were alcohol-related. Nationally, more than
10,000 people die each year in drunk driving crashes. The societal cost
associated with these crashes is estimated to be $37 billion annually.
The Riverside Police Department offers the following advice for a safe holiday season:
- Take mass transit, a taxicab, or ask a sober friend to drive you
home.
- Spend the night where the activity or party 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.