AVALON — The Avalon Police Department announced that it will participate in a state-wide crackdown designed to remove impaired and intoxicated drivers from the road. Avalon Police Chief David Dean announced that Avalon will participate in the “Over the Limit, Under Arrest” campaign that runs during the holiday season, Dec, 6, Jan, 2.
“Driving while intoxicated is a serious issue 12 months out of the year”, Chief Dean said. “The Avalon Police Department wants to make sure residents and visitors have a safe holiday driving season, and we are pleased to partner with our police friends throughout the state in this effort”.
The New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety requested Avalon’s participation in this program. The Avalon Police Department also participated in the effort during the 2009 holiday season.
Impaired driving continues to be one of the crimes most often committed in the United States. Statistics show that someone is killed every 30 minutes in the United States by a drunk or impaired driver.
Approximately 18,000 people are killed during impaired driving accidents in the United States each year; 250,000 people are injured during these types of accidents. Nearly 97 percent of all Americans view impaired driving as a threat to their community.
The “Over the Limit, Under Arrest” program involves no warnings given to impaired or intoxicated drivers. Anyone charged with a DUI offense in the State of New Jersey faces penalties that may include a combination of fines, license suspensions, jail time, and points added to the driver’s motor vehicle record. The legal blood alcohol limit in the state of New Jersey is .08 percent.
The Avalon Police Department reminds residents and visitors how easy it is to avoid a drunk driving arrest:
–Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin
–Before drinking, designate a sober driver and leave your car keys at home
–If you are impaired, call a sober friend or family member to get home safely
–Wear a seat belt while in your car; it is your best defense against an impaired driver
–If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, call the Avalon Police Department at (609) 967-3411
The “Over the Limit, Under Arrest” program was launched nationwide in 1999 and involves public safety organizations in all 50 states.
Cape May County – Erma on John Kerry. Those are only his latest antics, when people really dig in they’ll see how bad he really is. He’s made a living off of the blood sweat and tears of America for far, far too long…
