NEW JERSEY — Law enforcement agencies across New Jersey will increase impaired driving enforcement on Wednesday, July 22, as part of the statewide John Elliott Memorial Enforcement Initiative.
The campaign, announced Thursday by the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, will feature highly visible driving while intoxicated enforcement and public education efforts in memory of U.S. Navy Ensign John R. Elliott, whose death led to the enactment of New Jersey’s John’s Law.
Elliott, an Egg Harbor Township resident and graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, was killed July 22, 2000, while driving home to celebrate his mother’s birthday. He had graduated two months earlier and was preparing to begin Naval Flight School when his vehicle was struck by a drunk driver who had been arrested for driving while intoxicated earlier that evening but was released to a friend and later resumed driving while still impaired.
His death prompted the passage of John’s Law, which requires a vehicle to be impounded for 12 hours following a DWI arrest to prevent an impaired driver from immediately returning to the road.
Police departments throughout the state will deploy additional officers focused on impaired driving enforcement. The initiative also may include sobriety checkpoints and other high-visibility enforcement efforts.
“This initiative honors the life of Ensign John Elliott in the most meaningful way possible—by taking impaired drivers off our roads before they have the opportunity to destroy another family,” said Collingswood Police Chief Kevin Carey, president of the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police. “Our message is simple: if you choose to drive impaired, you should expect to encounter law enforcement. The safest decision is also the easiest one—plan ahead, designate a sober driver, or find another way home.”
The initiative also highlights the work of the HERO Campaign for Designated Drivers, which was founded by the Elliott family following his death to encourage motorists to arrange for a safe, sober ride home.
“Every impaired driving crash is preventable, yet too many families continue to experience unimaginable loss because someone made the decision to get behind the wheel after drinking or using drugs,” said Michael J. Rizol Jr., director of the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety. “The John Elliott Memorial Enforcement Initiative sends a clear message that New Jersey remains committed to aggressive impaired driving enforcement. By combining education with highly visible enforcement, we are working to prevent tragedies before they occur and save lives.”
The July 22 enforcement effort is part of New Jersey’s Goal Zero initiative, which brings law enforcement agencies together throughout the year to address behaviors that contribute to traffic fatalities and serious injuries.
“John Elliott’s legacy has already saved countless lives through John’s Law and the HERO Campaign,” Carey said. “On July 22, we will honor that legacy by reminding every driver that impaired driving will not be tolerated in New Jersey. Together, through education, enforcement, and personal responsibility, we can continue moving toward our shared goal of zero traffic fatalities.”
