With hundreds of thousands of people expected to visit the state for Super Bowl XLVIII, New Jersey law enforcement officials have launched a drunk driving initiative that will run until next Tuesday. Not only do authorities have to worry about the day of the big game, but the days leading up to it as well, with a number of celebration events scheduled in towns surrounding MetLife Stadium.

Acting Attorney General John Hoffman
Acting Attorney General John Hoffman announces "The Sobriety Blitz." (Townsquare Media)
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Through "The Sobriety Blitz," the Division of Highway Traffic Safety is making a total of $84,000 available to 21 police departments in close proximity to the stadium. The grant is to be used for increased saturation patrols and sobriety checkpoints.

"This initiative has enforcement components we believe will help prevent drunk driving and stop those who have already made the dangerous choice of driving while impaired," Acting Attorney General John Hoffman said. "In other words, we will be playing offense and defense."

Hoffman said many consider Super Bowl Sunday an unofficial holiday, and police have arrested about the same number of impaired drivers on Super Bowl Sunday as they do on New Year's Eve, New Years' Day and Independence Day.

"My message to all those who will attend a Super Bowl party is simply this: Make sure you have a game plan - such as assigning a designated driver before the party begins, Hoffman said."

If you're hosting a party:

  • Make sure there's enough food and non-alcoholic beverages available.
  • Stop serving alcohol at the beginning of the third quarter.
  • Have the phone number of a local cab company available.

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