Police Out in Force to Curb Underage Drinking

With high school students entering a celebratory period of prom and graduation festivities, Gloucester Township Police are doing their best to ensure those bashes aren’t marred by tragedies brought on by teenage drinking.

Police are partnering with local high schools, the Gloucester Township Council and community members to prevent the deadly consequences of underage drinking and driving.

Officers plan a multipronged approach. It starts with “Fatal Vision” assemblies at local high schools, where police stress the dire cost of drunken driving. Students will have a chance to operate low-speed vehicles while wearing goggles that simulate what it’s like to drive impaired.

“The students do take it seriously. They get a hands-on feeling of what it’s like to drive under the influence,” said Gloucester Township Police Capt. Jeff Weiserth. “When we show them the outcomes of drinking and driving, they’re paying attention.”

Police also will have a presence at local proms to enforce drinking bans and DWI checks. And, officers will go out into the community to talk with residents and owners of liquor stores and bars about teen drinking.

“There’s more of an impact when we’re out there and visible,” Weiserth noted.

Local proms include Timber Creek and Triton regional high schools and Camden County Technical School on May 20, and Highland Regional High School on May 27. 

Police efforts coincide with one of the most dangerous times of year for drunken driving incidents. According to police, 10,839 people died in alcohol-related crashes in 2009—one-third of those involved teens during the prom-graduation season April to June.

Parents can help in efforts as well, Weiserth said, by talking with their children, and helping arrange transportation to parties in group limos or buses.

The township also is doing its part to curb underage drinking. On April 25, the Council adopted an ordinance prohibiting underage alcohol consumption in Gloucester Township. The ordinance specifically targets underage drinking on private property.

“With the months of April, May and June being the most deadly for young drivers, it is clear that members of the community needed to take action and work collectively in this effort,” said Police Chief Harry Earle said in a statement.