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The State Police will conduct a sobriety checkpoint March 7 from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. on the Garden State Parkway in Monmouth County, the division said today.

(nj.com file photo)

TRENTON — If you're traveling the Garden State Parkway next weekend, be prepared to stop for the State Police.

Troopers will be conducting a sobriety checkpoint from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. March 7 into March 8 on the Parkway in Monmouth County, the State Police said today. So why are they giving drivers advance warning? They figure those who drink and drive don't care.

"Are we losing the element of surprise by sending out this message ahead of time? Maybe, but people who choose to drive after drinking already know how expensive, life-changing, and deadly such a decision can be," the State Police said in a news release.

"But they do it anyway in total disregard for their safety and the safety of everyone else on the road. We're assuming that their poor judgment will not impede our ability to take drunk drivers off the road just because of a little advance warning."

Those who spot a driver who may be a hazard can report it on a hands-free phone by dialing #77. Callers should be ready to give a description of the vehicle and the occupants, a location and direction, and a license plate, if possible, State Police said.

Christopher Baxter may be reached at cbaxter@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @cbaxter1. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.