Drivers across New Jersey can expect a heightened police presence on Wednesday, July 22, as law enforcement agencies participate in the annual John Elliott Memorial Enforcement Initiative, a statewide crackdown on impaired driving.

The one-day enforcement campaign, coordinated by the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, will see departments throughout the state deploy additional officers dedicated to identifying and removing impaired drivers from the road. The Manchester Township Police Department is among the agencies taking part.

The initiative honors the memory of U.S. Navy Ensign John R. Elliott, an Egg Harbor Township resident who was killed by a drunk driver on July 22, 2000, while returning home to celebrate his mother’s birthday. Elliott had graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy just two months earlier and was preparing to begin Naval Flight School.

His death led to the creation of John’s Law, which requires a vehicle to be impounded for 12 hours following a DWI arrest, preventing impaired drivers from immediately returning to the road.

As part of Wednesday’s campaign, motorists can expect increased patrols, sobriety checkpoints where appropriate, and aggressive enforcement of impaired driving laws throughout the day and evening.

“This initiative honors the life of Ensign John Elliott in the most meaningful way possible by taking impaired drivers off our roads before they have the opportunity to destroy another family,” said NJSACOP President Chief Kevin Carey. “If you choose to drive impaired, you should expect to encounter law enforcement. The safest decision is also the easiest one—plan ahead, designate a sober driver, or find another way home.”

Officials also highlighted the work of the HERO Campaign for Designated Drivers, founded by the Elliott family following John’s death, which continues to promote safe and sober transportation.

The New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety said the initiative is part of the statewide Goal Zero movement aimed at reducing traffic fatalities and serious injuries through education and enforcement.

Authorities are urging anyone who plans to drink this summer to arrange a designated driver, use a rideshare service, call a taxi, or utilize public transportation rather than getting behind the wheel impaired