AJR201

A Joint Resolution designating December of each year as “Impaired Driving Awareness Month.”

Whereas, In 2016, more than one million drivers nationally were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs; and

Whereas, 10,874 people died in alcohol-impaired motor vehicle crashes in 2017, accounting for 29 percent of all traffic related deaths in the United States; and

Whereas, In New Jersey there were 10,874 alcohol-impaired-driving crashes in 2017; and

Whereas, Drugs other than alcohol are involved in about 16 percent of motor vehicle crashes nationally; and

Whereas, Cannabis use is increasing nationally and approximately 13 percent of nighttime, weekend drivers have cannabis in the driver’s system; and

Whereas, Not accounting for other factors, cannabis users were about 25 percent more likely to be involved in a crash than drivers with no evidence of cannabis use; and

Whereas, For every impaired driving arrest there are approximately hundreds of other impaired drivers who are not apprehended, putting driver on all roadways at risk; and

Whereas, In order to make significant declines in the number of alcohol and drug related motor vehicle crashes, we must all do more as communities and as individuals; and

Whereas, New Jersey recognizes the need to raise awareness about the consequences of impaired driving, prevent impaired driving, and strictly enforce the laws against impaired driving; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

1. The month of December of each year is designated as “Impaired Driving Awareness Month.”

2. The Governor is requested to annually issue a proclamation calling upon the public officials and the citizens of New Jersey to observe the month with appropriate activities and programs.

3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.

STATEMENT

This Joint Resolution designates December of each year as “Impaired Driving Awareness Month” to raise awareness regarding the dangers of impaired driving and its impact on traffic safety Statewide and nationally.

In 2016, more than one million drivers nationally were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In New Jersey, there were 10,874 alcohol-impaired-driving crashes in 2017. Drugs other than alcohol are involved in about 16 percent of motor vehicle crashes nationally. Cannabis use is increasing nationally and approximately 13 percent of nighttime, weekend drivers have cannabis in their system. Not accounting for other factors, Cannabis users were about 25 percent more likely to be involved in a crash than drivers with no evidence of cannabis use.

For every impaired driving arrest there are approximately hundreds of other impaired drivers who are not apprehended, putting drivers on all roadways at risk. In order to make significant declines in the number of alcohol and drug related crashes, we must all do more as communities and as individuals.

New Jersey recognizes the need to raise awareness about the consequences of impaired driving, prevent impaired driving, and strictly enforce the laws against impaired driving.

The resolution requests the Governor to annually issue a proclamation calling upon public officials and the citizens of New Jersey to observe the month with appropriate activities and programs.