Sobriety checkpoints to increase over next two weeks

NORTH BRUNSWICK — Township law enforcement officers will be conducting sobriety checkpoints Aug. 15 through Sept. 1 as part of the Over the Limit, Under Arrest 2008 Statewide Crackdown.

Impaired drivers kill nearly 18,000 people each year, and 97 percent of Americans view drinking and driving by others as a threat to their families and to themselves, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

In 2007, 205 people were killed as a result of alcohol-related crashes on New Jersey highways, which represents 28 percent of the 724 traffic fatalities reported in the state.

In addition, 82 of those alcohol-related fatalities occurred during the summer travel season.

Therefore, the campaign suggests choosing a designated driver before heading out, using public transportation or calling a taxicab, spending the night where the activity is being held, reporting impaired drivers to law enforcement agencies and using a seatbelt at all times to minimize the recurrence of drunken-driving accidents and injuries.

The drunken-driving enforcement program began nationally in 1999 and works to combat driving under the influence during some of the busiest travel times of the year.

The campaign also helps raise awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving through high-visibility enforcement and public education tools, including posters, banners and mobile video displays.

In addition, the national Division of Highway Traffic Safety provides grants to local law enforcement agencies through the state to run the two-week campaign.