New Jersey Launches Major Campaign Against Impaired Driving for Holidays

Attorney General Platkin Collaborates with NJ State Police and Traffic Safety Division to Enhance Road Safety During Festive Season.

In a concerted effort to enhance road safety, Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, NJ State Police Superintendent Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, and Division of Highway Traffic Safety Director Michael J. Rizol Jr. have jointly launched a comprehensive holiday impaired driving education campaign. This initiative, funded by Highway Traffic Safety (HTS), is designed to raise awareness about the dangers and legal consequences of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

The campaign, which kicked off on November 6 and will run through February 11, strategically employs radio broadcasts and out-of-home advertisements to communicate its message. These public service announcements, including those in Spanish, feature Attorney General Platkin and Colonel Callahan emphasizing the critical importance of sobriety while driving.

Attorney General Platkin stressed the campaign's simple yet vital message: "Do not drive impaired." He highlighted the dire consequences of driving under the influence, underscoring the campaign's goal to ensure safer roadways during the holiday celebrations.

In addition to radio spots, the campaign utilizes billboards across key locations from November 27 to January 7, reinforcing the message of vigilance against impaired driving. This initiative comes in response to the heightened risk during the holiday season; in 2022, the period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve saw 24 fatalities in New Jersey related to impaired driving incidents.

Colonel Patrick J. Callahan of the NJ State Police expressed pride in leading this essential campaign, focusing on collaborative efforts to curb impaired driving. Similarly, Michael J. Rizol Jr., Director of the Division of Highway Traffic Safety, emphasized the importance of responsible driving for ensuring a safe holiday season.

This campaign represents a united front between the New Jersey State Police and the Division of Highway Traffic Safety, showcasing a strong partnership between law enforcement and the community. It aims to significantly reduce incidents of impaired driving, not just during the holidays but as a continuous effort throughout the year.

With its comprehensive approach and multi-agency collaboration, this campaign is a pivotal step towards improving road safety in New Jersey, particularly during the festive season, and serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility in preventing traffic-related tragedies.