Somerset County prosecutor urges motorists to avoid impaired driving during Halloween celebrations
SOMERVILLE, N.J. (Somerset County) — The Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office is reminding motorists in Somerset and Hunterdon counties to celebrate Halloween responsibly and avoid driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs as families and communities prepare for holiday festivities.
The warning comes as part of a coordinated safety message involving the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety and law enforcement agencies throughout both counties.
Authorities are encouraging drivers to plan ahead, arrange safe transportation and make responsible decisions to help prevent impaired driving crashes during Halloween celebrations.
“We want everyone to enjoy Halloween festivities and celebrate with family and friends, but it is important to do so responsibly,” said Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald. “Impaired driving is dangerous, illegal, and can have deadly consequences. Our children and community members deserve a safe Halloween free from the risks posed by impaired drivers. If you plan to drink alcohol or use drugs, arrange for a sober driver and never get behind the wheel while impaired. Every responsible decision can save a life.”
The prosecutor’s office emphasized that even small amounts of alcohol or drugs can affect judgment, slow reaction times, impair coordination and compromise a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. Motorists planning to consume alcohol or use drugs are encouraged to designate a sober driver before attending celebrations, arrange for a taxi or use a rideshare service rather than getting behind the wheel.
Authorities also reminded drivers that violating New Jersey’s impaired driving laws can result in serious legal and financial consequences.
In addition to making responsible decisions themselves, residents are encouraged to help prevent impaired driving by looking out for friends and family members. Anyone who notices that someone who has been drinking or using drugs intends to drive should intervene by taking their keys, arranging alternative transportation or otherwise helping prevent them from operating a vehicle while impaired.
Motorists who observe a suspected impaired driver on the road are urged to contact local law enforcement.
The Halloween safety campaign reinforces NHTSA’s national message, “If You Feel Different, You Drive Different,” which reminds drivers that alcohol and drugs can impair driving ability and put others at risk.
Officials are encouraging residents to keep safety a priority throughout Halloween celebrations, particularly as children, families and other pedestrians take part in holiday activities.
For more information about the dangers of drug-impaired driving, visit NHTSA’s impaired driving safety website.
