TRENTON, N.J. – Police around New Jersey will begin stepping up patrols targeting drunken and impaired drivers beginning Friday.

More than $750,000 will be distributed to 172 departments in the form of grants for the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” program. The program will run until Sept. 3.

Figures show the number of alcohol-related driving deaths have been falling in New Jersey.

Police officers made 1,437 DWI arrests statewide during last year’s crackdown. They also wrote nearly 6,000 tickets for speeding and 3,684 tickets for seatbelt violations.

Officers apprehended nearly 1,500 fugitives during the program.