Avalon Police Will Take Part in DUI Prevention Campaign

AVALON — Avalon Police Department will participate in an impaired driving prevention campaign during March 9-17, according to Avalon Police Chief David Dean.
“St. Patrick’s Day includes many special events and parties, but often includes the consumption of alcoholic beverages,” Dean stated in a release. “At times, these celebrations can become dangerous when impaired drivers get behind the wheel. Avalon will partner with other communities in the state, and around the country, to make sure that this holiday will be safe for everyone.”
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has developed a safety program for local police departments to implement during the month of March. Statistics clearly show that alcohol plays a major role in accident-related fatalities on St. Patrick’s Day.
On St. Patrick’s Day, 2008, 37 percent of the drivers and motorcyclists involved in fatal crashes had a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or above, which is the legal threshold in the state of New Jersey and many other states around the country. In 2008, there were 134 fatal accidents on St. Patrick’s Day; 50 of them involved at least one driver or motorcyclist who was legally drunk.
“We are strongly encouraging Avalon residents and visitors to designate a sober driver all of the time, especially during a time of celebration like St. Patrick’s Day”, Dean said. “We want to remind people that buzzed driving is indeed drunk driving, and the Avalon Police Department will do everything it can to make sure that our motorists are sober, and safe.”
The Avalon Police Department recommends the following, easy steps for a safe St. Patrick’s Day:
• Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin.
• Before drinking, please designate a sober driver and leave your car keys at home.
• If you are impaired, please call a sober friend or family member to make sure you get home safely.
• If you see a drunk driver on the road, call Avalon Police Department immediately at 967-3411.
• If you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.
“Driving while impaired is certainly not worth the risk”, Dean stated. “You risk killing yourself or another individual, and the trauma, financial costs, and the criminal record can all be very significant. We encourage everyone to be safe, and designate a sober driver before the party begins.”
The Avalon Police Department will also promote this campaign in the community on ShoreTV Channel2, and on Avalon’s official website, www.avalonboro.org.