MORRIS TOWNSHIP POLICE DEPARTMENT

49 Woodland Avenue, Convent Station, NJ 07961 Phone (973) 539-0777 Fax (973) 326-7485

NEWS RELEASE

Date: January 05, 2012 Prepared by: Capt. Rich Ferrone Contact Number: 973-326-7482

2011 Holiday Crackdown Results

The period of time between Thanksgiving and New Years Day is the most dangerous time of the year on the road. This is primarily due to an increased number of impaired drivers. Through a grant called, the Drunk Driving Enforcement Fund, the Morris Township Police Department conducted saturated patrols and one DWI checkpoint primarily focused on impaired drivers. Morris Township officers assigned to the details arrested 15 suspected impaired drivers, issued 33 summonses for speeding, 23 for careless driving, 10 for driving without a license, 5 for revoked driving, 5 for reckless driving, 1 for uninsured driving, and 130 other motor vehicle summonses. The blood alcohol concentrations (BAC) of those arrested for suspect drunk driving ranged from .08% - .22%. Driving with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher is illegal in all 50 states. Yet drunk driving still contributes for approximately one-third of all motor vehicle fatalities year after year. Following a year where New Jersey saw 15% more traffic fatalities than in 2010 the message remains the same, Dont Drink and Drive. Its clear that too many people still dont understand that impaired driving is no accident nor is it a victimless crime. So our message to motorists is simple and unwavering: if you get caught driving while impaired in Morris Township, you will be arrested. No exceptions.

NOTE: Despite the above pending charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt following a trial at which the defendant has all of his/her rights guaranteed by the U.S. and New Jersey Constitutions and relevant state law.