Bill Text: NJ AJR201 | 2020-2021 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Designates December of each year as "Impaired Driving Awareness Month."
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2020-12-21 - Introduced, Referred to Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee [AJR201 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2020-AJR201-Introduced.html
No. 201
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
219th LEGISLATURE
INTRODUCED DECEMBER 21, 2020
Sponsored by:
Assemblyman NICHOLAS CHIARAVALLOTI
District 31 (Hudson)
SYNOPSIS
Designates December of each year as "Impaired Driving Awareness Month."
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
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.