DUI checkpoints Saturday in 2 NJ counties: Don’t even think about drunk driving

Police throughout New Jersey are always on the lookout for impaired drivers, but this weekend, state troopers will set up sobriety checkpoints in two counties to make sure drunk drivers aren't a hazard on Garden State roadways.

In a statement Thursday, state police said they will set up sobriety checkpoints on Saturday in Maurice River Township, Cumberland County as well as Toms River in ocean County.

Police say the checkpoints are being set up "in an effort to make our roads safer and reduce crashes attributed to driving while under the influence."

Troopers will be checking drivers for signs of impairment due to drugs and alcohol, authorities said.

In 2014 -- the most recent data available -- there were 523 fatal crashes with 556 people killed in New Jersey, according to a state police report. The data also shows that of those fatalities, of the fatalities, 31.3 percent had consumed alcohol to some extent and of all drivers, 12.2 percent were legally intoxicated.

State police said in a Facebook post Thursday that the purpose of the checkpoints is to keep people from drinking and driving, not to make arrests.

"The purpose of announcing the checkpoints is to hopefully deter people from getting behind the wheel after drinking. The goal of the checkpoints is to prevent drunk drivers, not make arrests," police said.

In addition to this weekend's checkpoints, the NJ State Police say they also plan to conduct sobriety checkpoints several times throughout the summer in New Jersey.

"If you plan on drinking, have a designated driver, arrange for transportation or stay where you are," Nj State Police said in a statement Thursday. "It’s not worth the risk of hurting or killing yourself, a friend, a loved one, or innocent motorist."

Police advise motorists who see another driver on the road posing a hazard due to poor driving behaviors to call #77 from a hands-free mobile device. Authorities will ask for a description of the vehicle, occupants, location and license plate whenever possible.

Toniann Antonelli is a social content producer for NJ 101.5. She can be reached at toniann.antonelli@townsquaremedia.com, or on Twitter @ToniRadio1015.