ERMA — Law enforcement officers from Lower Township will be cracking down on drunk drivers as part of the Summer 2010 "Over The Limit, Under Arrest" Campaign.

Beginning Aug. 20 and running through Sept. 6, local and state law enforcement officers will conduct sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols, looking for motorists who may be driving while intoxicated.

A concentrated national effort, the campaign helps to raise awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving through high-visibility enforcement and public education tools, including posters, banners and mobile video display signs.

Launched nationally in 1999, the program works to combat drunk driving during some of the busiest travel times of the year, including the summer months.

As part of the initiative, the Division of Highway Traffic Safety provides grants to local law enforcement agencies throughout the state to run the two-week campaign.

"There is simply no excuse to drink and drive," said Pam Fischer, Director of the Division of Highway Traffic Safety. "Even one drink can impair your judgment and reaction time, creating a potentially dangerous situation not only for yourself, but everyone on the road."

Last year in New Jersey, 185 people were killed as a result of alcohol-related crashes. That number represents 31 percent of the 583 traffic fatalities reported in the state in 2009. In addition, 67 of those alcohol-related fatalities occurred during the summer travel season.

"One life lost is one too many," Fischer added,"Through public education and law enforcement efforts, we will continue our commitment to protecting all New Jersey motorists from the senseless tragedies associated with drunk driving."