The Hudson County Sheriff’s Office will be keeping an extra eye out for drunk drivers from August 16 to September 2 as part of the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, officials say.
According to officials, the campaign is designed to raise awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving through high-visibility enforcement and public education tools.
“Starting August 16, my officers will be out looking for impaired drivers and getting them off the road before they can cause harm,” said Hudson County Sheriff Frank X. Schillari. “This grant allows me to put extra patrols out at key hours to focus on combating impaired driving.”
Officials say that the Sheriff’s Office will have extra roving patrols throughout Hudson County.
“There is no reason to drive under the influence, there are plenty of options out there for
you if you drink too much, such as Uber and Lyft, a designated driver or public transportation,” said Schillari. “We want everyone to enjoy the end of summer, but we want drivers to do it safely and responsibly.”
**The Sheriff offered some of the following tips:**
If you plan to drink, designate a driver, someone who will not drink alcohol, before going out.
Take mass transit, taxis, Uber, Lyft or ask a sober friend to drive you home.
Spend the night where the activity is held.
Report impaired drivers to law enforcement. In New Jersey, drivers may dial #77 to report a drunk or aggressive driver, officials say.
Always buckle up, every ride, regardless of your seating position in the vehicle. It’s your best defense against an impaired driver, according to officials.
If you’re 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 you to your doorstep.