Here’s your annual New Year’s Eve warning: Police will be out there not only on that night but on others, as well, over the next several days.

“We want drivers, passengers, pedestrians and revelers alike to be safe before, during and after the revelry,” said Division of Highway Traffic Safety Acting Director Gary Poedubicky.

“Plan to go out with a designated driver or take mass transit or a taxi,” he added. “If you can, spend the night, rather than getting behind the wheel. If you drink and plan to walk home, have a friend or family member escort you home.”

This goes for any night, not just New Year’s Eve, authorities said.

That’s why local and state officials are talking zero tolerance, saturation patrols — and lots of checkpoints.

The odds of getting caught?

During this same period last year, 2,000 people were arrested for DWI in New Jersey.

There were also four motor-vehicle fatalities from Dec. 30 to Jan. 3 related to alcohol or drugs, the state Attorney General’s Office said.

For those reasons, state authorities are also cracking down on businesses and private citizens who serve or sell alcohol to those already intoxicted who get into crashes.

Division of Highway Traffic Safety tips

Pedestrians:

• Cross at intersections only

• Never cross between parked cars

• Before crossing, look left, right and left again, and listen for traffic

• If there is no sidewalk available, walk as far off the roadway as possible on the side of the road, facing oncoming traffic

• Obey all traffic signs and signals

Drivers:

• Always be alert for pedestrians. Stop for them in crosswalks — or face a $200 fine, plus court fees and a two-point penalty

• Watch for pedestrians when turning on red

• Obey posted speed limits

• Do not block or park in crosswalks

• Keep your windshield clean (inside and out) for maximum visibility

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About the author

Jerry DeMarco

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