New Jersey law enforcement agencies are stepping up patrols and sobriety checkpoints during across the state as part of an annual “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign.
Attorney General Matt Platkin and the Division of Highway Traffic Safety said the statewide enforcement effort will run from December 5 through January 1, 2026, targeting impaired driving during one of the deadliest times of the year on the roads.
State officials awarded $703,500 in grants to 125 law enforcement agencies to support increased patrols and checkpoints.
The Lakewood Police Department is participating in the campaign through a $10,500 grant, while the Howell Township Police Department received $7,000.
Officials said crashes involving impaired drivers tend to spike during December as social gatherings and alcohol consumption increase. The campaign is part of a national initiative coordinated with law enforcement agencies across the country.
“So far, New Jersey has seen a decrease in fatal crashes in 2025 compared to last year,” said Michael J. Rizol Jr., director of the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety. “However, we are approaching a dangerous time of year when we see an increase in impaired driving. We urge everyone to make a plan to get home safely and never drive under the influence of alcohol or other substances.”
Last year, New Jersey recorded 647 fatal crashes resulting in 684 deaths. Of the drivers involved in those fatal crashes, 32.5% had been drinking, according to state data.
During the 2024-25 Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign, 130 law enforcement agencies received a total of $732,400 in grant funding. That enforcement effort resulted in 590 impaired driving arrests, 2,948 speeding summonses and 1,038 seat belt summonses statewide.
Local police departments, including those in Lakewood and Howell, will use the grant funding to increase patrols, conduct sobriety checkpoints and focus enforcement on impaired driving, speeding and seat belt violations.
State officials urged motorists to plan for a safe ride home, designate sober drivers and use ride-sharing services when needed, saying enforcement will be highly visible throughout December and into the new year.
Considering a recent report stating that Lakewood is the 3rd most dangerous place to drive in the northeast, maybe LPD should have been doing this all along.
Can you post a link to that report?
You can find it at consumeraffairs(dot)com
Absolutely right. What is this pittance of a $10,500 grant? A bribe from taxpayer money for cops to do their jobs. This is lunch money for less than the duration of the operation and equal to zero for prosecution expenses.
It’s not dangerous for impaired driving; that’s virtually unheard of here, despite 1-2 incidents. It’s more like cell phones and rushing, and the general atmosphere caused by traffic. But those things, too, need to be worked on
If the scoop still posted the monthly police report on accidents in Lakewood you would see how wrong you are.
Which trashcan did you pull that report out of?
consumeraffairs(dot)com. They used government reports provided by the NHTSA and other such agencies that gather these silly things called facts. But I guess since it didn’t come out of Deceptive Don’s mouth you’ll never believe it.
Sorry but a very reliable source ,I read it too !
For those who didn’t join the dontdrinkanddrive.com campaign
Just to be fair, we only got this honor due to non Jewish drivers from either Lakewood or the surrounding towns driving under the influence or speeding recklessly.
If Lakewood were judged solely by its Frum inhabitants, our driving safety would be excellent compared to similar-sized towns.
Ashreichem Yisroel!
We still have room to improve.
really? is your head in the sand?
Good
This should be included for people who take medications
Zero enforcement in this town.
If everyone did what they are supposed to maybe we wouldn’t need the Police as much.
Unfortunately many people are apparently not doing what they are supposed too…
Busiest Organizations/Businesses in Lakewood – Hatzolah and Body Shops.
I wonder why.
.כתוב בתורה שופטים ושוטרים תיתן לך בכל שעריך
. והמבין יבין