New Jersey Police Departments Stepping Up DWI Patrols in December

'tis the season for celebrating, and with the holiday season comes gatherings and libations. But police departments in our area are ready to crack down on drivers who get behind the wheel while intoxicated with extra patrols and checkpoints.

FIRST, AND FOREMOST: Just don't drink and drive. There's NO REASON for it. You could seriously hurt yourself or others, and that's something NO ONE wants, especially during the holiday season. Be smart. Hand over your keys or get a ride share. DON'T BE THAT PERSON.

More than a dozen South Jersey police municipalities have been given grants to step up watching out for drivers in our area who may be impaired due to alcohol or drugs, NJ.com reports.

New Jersey's 'Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over' campaign begins this Friday, December 3rd and runs through New Year's Day. More than $630,000 in funds have been provided to police departments throughout the state to bolster their efforts of issuing DWIs to impaired motorists.

26 of those police departments are local, including Absecon, Brigantine, Galloway, Hamilton Twp., Hammonton, Linwood, Mullica, Northfield, Pleasantville, and Ventnor in Atlantic County.

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Camden County, Gloucester Police, Haddon Heights PD, and Stratford PD have all received thousands of dollars in grants for 'Drive Sober and Get Pulled Over'.

In Cumberland County, it's both Millville and Vineland.

Gloucester County's Glassboro, Monroe, and Washington Twp. police will also be increasing patrols and DWI checkpoints.

Cinnaminson, Evesham, Mount Laurel, New Hanover, and Pemberton were included in grants given to Burlington County.

Both Lower and Upper Twp. in Cape May County will participate.

Eric Heitmann, Director of the Division of Highway Traffic Safety, wants drivers travelling throughout the Garden State these next few weeks to remember, “The goal of our Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over holiday campaign is to protect the motoring public and save lives by raising awareness of the risks and penalties associated with impaired driving and cracking down on violators. Today we’re giving everyone fair warning that the campaign launches on Friday and anyone driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can expect to be pulled over and arrested.”

Those are some stern words that deserve to be headed. You can't enjoy the holidays if you're in jail...or worse. BE SAFE OUT THERE ON THE ROAD!

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