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Trenton
– Attorney General Paula T. Dow, joined
by members of the New Jersey traffic safety,
law enforcement and substance abuse prevention
communities, today honored those individuals
who have lost their lives as a result of
an impaired driver.
During
an emotional remembrance at the War Memorial
Building in Trenton, families who have lost
loved ones to a drunk or drugged driver
participated in a processional, where they
were escorted by local police officers and
State Troopers. Representing the nearly
13,000 lives lost each year nationwide to
impaired driving, the families displayed
photos of their loved ones and lit candles
to commemorate their lives.
“Through
commemorative events such as this one, we
can let all New Jerseyans know what the
real consequences are when someone chooses
to drive impaired,” Attorney General
Dow said. “Today, we’re reinforcing
the message that one careless, thoughtless
decision is all it takes to have a devastating,
life-long impact on countless lives.
“Both
law enforcement and public education play
a critical role in combating impaired driving,”
the Attorney General explained. “Law
enforcement has worked tirelessly, whether
it is through efforts such as Over the Limit
Under Arrest, county and multi-jurisdictional
task forces, Drug Recognition Experts, saturation
patrols and checkpoints, to combat drunk
and drugged driving.”
Division
of Highway Traffic Safety Acting Director
Gary Poedubicky noted that the remembrance,
which was modeled after a similar event
held annually in Maryland, will help to
enhance public awareness of this critical
traffic safety issue.
“Impaired
driving touches every one of us, and it
is a tragedy that is preventable,”
Poedubicky said. “By staying safe
and sober behind the wheel, we can stop
this senseless loss of life and ensure that
all New Jerseyans stay safe on our roadways.”
In
2009 in New Jersey, 187 people were killed
as a result of alcohol-related crashes.
That number represents 32 percent of the
584 traffic fatalities reported in the state
that year.
Also
speaking at today’s tribute were State
Police Superintendent Colonel Rick Fuentes
and Bill and Muriel Elliott, founders of
the HERO Campaign for Designated Drivers.
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