"As we approach the Labor Day Weekend, law enforcement officers statewide will be enhancing their efforts to target and apprehend impaired drivers," said Attorney General Peter C. Harvey. "Motorists are reminded never to drink and drive. The risks you take are great and the consequences are severe."

"On a national level, fatalities in alcohol-related crashes have decreased for a second year," said Roberto Rodriguez, Director of the Division of Highway Traffic Safety. "New Jersey has historically been several points below the national average. This shows that drivers are getting the all important "You Drink and Drive, You lose" message. New Jerseyans support tougher enforcement and rank drunk driving ahead of healthcare, poverty, the environment and gun control as an important social issue. The entire focus is to reduce injuries and fatalities caused by impaired drivers."

National Highway Traffic Safety Administrator Dr. Jeffrey W. Runge announced the most recent statistics on DWI crashes and fatalities. Among the luminaries joining Dr. Runge were MADD National President Glynn Birch, NJ Division of Highway Traffic Safety Director Roberto Rodriguez, NJ State Police Lt. Col. Thomas Gilbert, and NHTSA Regional Administrator Thomas Louizou, among other dignitaries from the three states.

Nationwide, alcohol-related crashes account for approximately 40 percent of all traffic fatalities each year. In 2003, more than 17,000 people were killed across America in impaired driving-related highway crashes. In that same year, New Jersey accounted for 275 alcohol-related fatalities.

The Division has awarded over 100 grants to police agencies statewide to conduct DWI checkpoints and patrols over the two-week mobilization period. However, many more police departments will show their dedication to eradicate drunk drivers from New Jersey’s roadways by participating in the campaign without grant assistance.

As the Summer season builds to a finale in the Garden State, the Division advises you to be responsible and don’t risk it. You will be caught if you drink and drive. If you plan to drink, choose a designated driver.. If you’re on the road, report impaired drivers by calling #77 on your cell phone. Enjoy the rest of the Summer. Don’t drink and drive, because if "You Drink and Drive, You Lose!"