Crime & Safety

Never a Worse Time to Drive Drunk

Police will be out in full force looking for drunken drivers.

It's never a wise move to drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

On top of the highly increased probability that you might injure yourself or someone else if you down a six-pack before hitting the road, driver's license suspension and big-time insurance surcharges are other deterrents to consider.

Well, the chances of you getting caught driving drunk in Gloucester Township will go up significantly beginning this Friday.

Find out what's happening in Gloucester Townshipwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Township police will participate in the national drunken-driving prevention initiative "Over the Limit, Under Arrest" Friday through Sept. 5.

The initiative, which results in police officers dedicated to nabbing drunken drivers saturating specific areas, is supported by a $4,400 overtime grant.

Find out what's happening in Gloucester Townshipwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety awarded the grant to Gloucester Township Police and 167 other police agencies in the Garden State.

"Any time you drink and drive, you are putting yourself, your family and the public at large in great danger. There is just no excuse to drink and drive," New Jersey Attorney General Paula T. Dow said. "Having just one drink can impair your judgment and slow your reaction time, which can lead to disastrous consequences."

Of the state's 556 crash fatalities in 2010, 168 can be directly attributed to impaired driving, according to the Attorney General's Office.

It's no accident the initiative is held during the summer and overlaps Labor Day weekend.

"The temptation to drink and drive may be there during the summer or on holidays," Division of Highway Traffic Safety acting director Gary Poedubicky said. "But police will be out there to arrest the irresponsible motorists who are willing to indulge that temptation to drive over the limit."

In 2010, "Over The Limit, Under Arrest" crackdowns resulted in 1,707 DWI arrests, up from 1,528 in 2009. In addition, participating police agencies issued 10,106 speeding tickets and 6,109 seat-belt summonses. 

Township police remind motorists to consider the following:

  • Don't risk it. If you plan to drive, don't drink.
  • Choose a sober designated driver before partying.
  • Take mass transit, a taxicab or ask a friend to drive you home if you didn't plan in advance.
  • Spend the night where the activity is being held.

For more information on the dangers of drunken driving, visit the Attorney General's Office website, the National Highway Traffic Safety website, and the Mothers Against Drunk Driving website.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.