“With this kind of law enforcement involvement, violators are more likely than ever to be pulled over and arrested for DWI”, said Division Director Roberto Rodriguez. “With the national trend in DWI fatalities edging downward, New Jersey’s alcohol-related fatalities slightly increased last year. This is something we cannot and will not tolerate. Impaired driving is a crime and is being strongly dealt with by the Division through education and enforcement.
In 2005 there were 254 alcohol-related fatalities in New Jersey, or 34 percent of all 748 traffic fatalities, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). That compares to 31 percent in 2004. Last year, law enforcement made 1,583 DWI arrests among the 50,665 summonses issued for all moving and non-moving violations during the 2005 YDYDYL summer campaign.
Closely linked with ‘YDYDYL’ is the Hero Campaign for Designated Drivers and John’s Law. In July of 2000, Ensign John R. Elliott and his girlfriend were traveling home to Egg Harbor Township from the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. A drunk driver who had been arrested just three hours earlier, crossed the center line and struck Elliot’s car head on. Both John Elliott and the offending driver lost their lives. This led to the creation of the Hero Campaign for Designated Drivers by William Elliott, John’s father. He was also a force behind John’s Law, requiring police to impound a DWI violator’s vehicle for up to 12-hours.
A re-dedication of Ensign John Elliot’s Memorial was held at this morning’s event. The Memorial, on Route 40 in Upper Pittsgrove Township in Salem County, marks the spot where the fatal crash occurred. It had been previously damaged and is now completely restored.
The summer DWI crackdown began on August 18th and will continue through Labor Day, September 4th. Remember, If You Drink and Drive. You Lose. |
