State of New Jersey

Talking Points

Impaired Driving is a Serious Crime

	As a community we all support law enforcement efforts to protect us from theft, burglary, assault and terrorism. Yet, many otherwise law-biding citizens continue to view impaired driving merely as a traffic offense. Don't be fooled. Impaired driving is no accident nor is it a victimless crime.

	Impaired driving is one of the most often committed crimes, randomly killing someone in America every 30 minutes and nearly 50 people a day. That means you, your family or friends are just as likely to be innocent victims.

	Nationally, impaired driving fatalities are on the rise. Almost 18,000 people are killed each year. About 250,000 people are injured.

Drive Impaired - Go Straight to Jail.

	Too many people still don't understand that alcohol, drugs and driving don't mix. If you find it hard to figure out if you've had too many drinks to drive - don't risk it.

	If you're feeling "buzzed' you are most likely impaired. And if you drive impaired, law enforcement will arrest you.

	There will be no warnings. Our message is simple -- Drunk Driving - Over the Limit. Under Arrest violators can lose their licenses, time from their jobs, and lose money in high fines and court costs as well as face imprisonment for repeat offenses, assault and vehicular manslaughter.

It Takes a Community Approach to Save Lives

	Although every year 1.5 million impaired drivers are arrested, only one arrest is made for every 772 occurrences of driving under the influence of alcohol. Repeat offenders account for a high number of alcohol-related crashes.

	We have come to a crossroads in our efforts to prevent this deadly crime. America is at a crucial point where we must all do more as communities and as individuals if we are to make significant declines in the number of alcohol- and drug-related crashes.

	The key to reversing this alarming trend is taking a systematic approach with law enforcement, prosecutors, judicial officials, traffic safety partners and individuals each doing their part, to protect innocent victims from impaired drivers.

Plan Ahead or Plan to Get Arrested

The New Jersey Divsion of Highway Traffic Safety is committed to making our neighborhoods safer and will be working with criminal justice officials to remind everyone:

	Don't risk it. If you plan to drive, don't drink.

	Choose a sober designated driver before partying.

	Take mass transit, a taxicab or ask a friend to drive you home if you didn't plan in advance.

	Spend the night where the activity is being held.

	Report impaired drivers to law enforcement.

America Supports… Tougher Enforcement

	Nearly 97 percent of Americans view impaired driving as a threat to the community.

	Studies show that the majority of Americans consider impaired driving one of our nation's most important social issues, ahead of healthcare, poverty/hunger, racism and education.

	Communities throughout America support increased criminal justice efforts to stop this illegal and life-threatening offense. The majority of Americans support increased use of enforcement efforts, such as saturation patrols and sobriety checkpoints, to protect innocent victims.

	Furthermore, three-fourths of Americans strongly endorse the use of stricter and more severe penalties against impaired drivers, to protect themselves and their loved ones.

What is Highly Visible Enforcement?

		Saturation patrols are increased enforcement efforts, usually involving multiple agencies that target a specific area to identify and arrest impaired drivers.

		At sobriety checkpoints, law enforcement officers evaluate drivers for signs of alcohol or drug impairment at certain points on the roadway. Vehicles are stopped in a specific sequence, such as every other or every fourth, fifth or sixth vehicle, depending on the manpower available and traffic conditions.

Remember - Chances are You Will be Arrested.

		Sobriety checkpoints, saturation patrols, undercover officers and concerned citizens… chances are if you drive impaired you'll get caught.

		Please use alcohol responsibly every day, designate a sober driver, take a taxicab, use mass transit or you'll be taking a ride straight to jail. Remember: Drunk Driving - Over the Limit. Under Arrest.
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