“Acting Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Highway Traffic Safety (HTS) today announced the launch of a statewide multimedia campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of driving impaired – whether under the influence of alcohol, cannabis, illegal drugs, or prescription or over-the counter medications.

Building on the success of the 2021 “Take Control of Your Destiny” distracted driving campaign, the 2022 “Wheel Risks” campaign features images of steering wheels to illustrate the dangers of driving while under the influence of drugs, alcohol, illegal drugs or medication. In the upcoming weeks, the campaign’s messaging will be rolled out on highway billboards, in radio and digital ads, on social media, and in many other venues throughout the state.

The launch of the campaign comes as New Jersey – along with states across the nation – works to reverse an alarming uptick in fatal crashes and deaths on its roadways last year. An analysis of contributing causes for the 2021 crashes has not been completed, but historically in New Jersey, more than a quarter of all fatal crashes involve a driver under the influence of either drugs or alcohol – or both. Indeed, in 2020, driving while intoxicated (alcohol and/or drugs) was a contributing factor in nearly 30 percent of the 550 fatal crashes recorded that year, according to a New Jersey State Police (NJSP) report.

“Our message is simple – impaired driving is dangerous and illegal,” said Acting Attorney General Platkin. “Driving under the influence of any substance that alters how you think and feel places lives at risk, and will not be tolerated on New Jersey roads. This campaign helps underscore how we are taking steps to make the state safer for all New Jerseyans, which is a key priority of the Murphy Administration.”

Find more from Division of Highway Traffic Safety (USA, New Jersey, February 2022)