Crime & Safety
Local and State Police Will Be on the Lookout for DWI Violations This Holiday Season
Toms River and statewide authorities monitoring roads for motorists driving while intoxicated
The Toms River Township Police Department is on watch this holiday season, a time usually identified as one with a marked increase in violations for motorists driving while intoxicated (DWI).
“There is an increase in drunk driving this time of year, and we will be having various patrols on the road in both marked and unmarked units,” said Police Chief Michael Mastronardy. “Generally, we work in conjunction with the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office in setting up checkpoints, and we will have them.”
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The chief noted that the day prior to Thanksgiving is traditionally the annual high water mark for DWI violations, but that the holiday season and St. Patrick’s Day rank right up there as well. However, Mastronardy explained that the public is assisting the police to make further progress on DWI arrests, through using their cell phones to report motorists who appear to be driving while intoxicated.
“Citizens who are using their cell phones and calling us have proven to be very effective against intoxicated drivers,” Mastronardy commented. “Prior to technology, by the time someone got to a pay phone to make a report, the (intoxicated) motorist would be gone. Thanks to modern technology, we’ve prevented numerous accidents from occurring.”
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Sgt. William Morsch, of the department’s Traffic Safety Division, outlined that extra patrols will be dispatched over the holiday break, with emphasis on both Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.
With regard to state highways, the New Jersey State Police also explained that they will be keeping watchful eyes on the conduct of motorists on the roads this holiday season.
“At the top of the New Jersey State Police’s 2011 holiday wish list is a safe and happy holiday season for the citizens of New Jersey. That includes a dramatic reduction in the traffic fatalities during the Christmas weekend period,” said the state police.
State Police reported that there will be a full complement of officers on patrol to respond to accidents and other emergencies, and to crack down on motorists who drive while intoxicated.
“Get a ride, plan to sleep over, or don’t drink to excess,” the state police commented.
