Impaired Driving Enforcement Crackdown to be Conducted Locally as Part of Statewide Campaign 

Press Release 

August 20, 2021 

Township of Mahwah — Law enforcement officials from the Township of Mahwah will be cracking down on drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs as part of the annual end of summer “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” statewide campaign. Beginning August 20 and continuing through September 6, 2021, 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. “During the last five years New Jersey has experienced more than 35,000 alcohol involved crashes resulting in 618 fatalities," said Chief Stephen Jaffe. “This is a critical law enforcement program that can save lives, especially in light of recent increased motor vehicle fatality rates both nationally and in New Jersey.” 

Last year, 23% of all motor vehicle fatalities in New Jersey were alcohol-related. Nationally, 10,142 people died in 2019 in drunk driving crashes. The societal cost associated with these crashes is estimated to be $44 billion annually. 

Law enforcement agencies participating in the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over 2021 Statewide Labor Day Crackdown offer the following advice for the 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.